US Senate panel urges sanctions against Saudi royal family

Washington’s Foreign Relations Committee voted 13-9 in support of legislation ordering sanctions on the Saudi royal family and a cut in arms sales to the Gulf kingdom.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

25 July, 2019

Many US Congress members are deeply critical of Trump's close ties with Saudi Arabia

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced on Thursday its support for imposing sanctions on the Saudi royal family, as well as for curbing weapons sales, in a show of opposition to President Donald Trump's cosy relations with the Gulf kingdom.

The panel voted 13-9 in favour of legislation that would impose sanctions and cuts to arms sales. Those in support consisted of the committee's Democrats and three Republican members who went against the president.

A stream of serious human rights abuses committed by the kingdom, notably the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and airstrikes against civilians in Yemen, have drummed up opposition among Congress members who demand Saudi Arabia be held to account.

In order for the legislation to be passed, the bill must now be voted through the Republican-majority Senate, as well as the Democratic-majority House of Representatives.

It must then either be signed by President Trump or have won a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress to override a probable presidential veto.