Attacking the Houthis would involve boots on the ground in the Middle East. In such an event, all manner of Islamic terrorists would be rallied to kill the infidels and any and all resident governments which have invited said infidels to their countries. Remember Iraq? Afghanistan? Khobar Tower? Blackhawk Down? Drinky Pete has seen all the movies, and recalls how they ended, and he doesn't want to be portrayed as the bubbling Secretary of 'War', so Hegseth certainly had words with Der Dotard about this. Any such action against the Houthis would have come without Congressional approval, and done on the eve of an lection where COPers are worried about their employment prospects. Shooting at Houthis for more than about a day would cause EVERY GOP candidate running this fall to be bounced...