Senators introduce bill to respond to Khashoggi's murder

A bipartisan group of six senators on Thursday introduced a bill to impose a "significant responsibility" for the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The bill also aims to push the parties to Yemen's civil war towards a peace process and to resolve the humanitarian crisis in that country. US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen was criticized as lawmakers sought an answer to the Khashoggi crisis.

"Today's announcement by the Trump administration of sanctions against 17 Saudis is a welcome step, but it is far from enough," said Sen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. . Bob MenendezRobert (Bob) MenendezIslamic organizations should finally seek to recover their money against the Iranian Dems Trump agreement lowers the goal of refugees to 30,000 people, he must respect the blame of the Senate, not the FBI, for the parody of Kavanaugh. (D-N.J.) Said in a statement. "There must be a transparent and credible investigation into the killing of Khashoggi and with this bill the Congress demonstrates its commitment to accountability and respect for human rights. "

Menendez introduced the bill with Sens. Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungMcConnell re-elected as leader, Thune promoted to whip position This week: Congress begins with leadership wrestling with leadership fight GOP Senate prepares for executive reshuffle MORE (Bark.), Jack ReedJohn (Jack) Francis ReedStudy: The United States has spent almost the war at war since September 11 – Night Defense – presented by Raytheon – The First Lady's Office insists that the National Security Adviser be ousted | Trump hires retired general as Saudi ambassador | Mattis visits border troops | A record number of veterans to sit in Congress Mid-term representatives ready to shake off US-Saudi defense ties (D-R.I.) Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamSenators Return to Washington Determined to Take Action Against Saudi Bill to Protect Mueller Stuck in Senate McConnell: Mueller probe should be allowed to end MORE (R-S.C..) Jeanne ShaheenCynthia (Jeanne) Jeanne ShaheenThe Congress should expand its legislation to reduce medical prices related to the misuse of medical care The pro-Israel organizations should finally seek a refund of the Iranian Democratic Dems agreement Chris Pappas wins the New Hampshire House seat (D-N.H.) And Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsDems Promises Rapid Action Towards Firearms Reform Next Year Collins Reiterates Call for Legislation to Protect Mueller Inquiry GOP's Nerves Struggle After Taking Action control of Sinema on McSally PLUS (R-Maine).

Earlier Thursday, the Trump government announced sanctions against 17 Saudis for their alleged role in Khashoggi's death. A few hours after the Saudis had announced the indictment of 11 people, five of them were facing the death penalty.

The announcement by the Trump administration was the most radical response to the October 2 assassination when Khashoggi visited the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Turkish officials said that Khashoggi was strangled almost immediately after entering the consulate and that his body was subsequently dismembered and eliminated. Turkey has called the announcement "Saudi" of the Saudi announcement Thursday.

In the US, lawmakers said the Trump government's sanctions were welcome, but said more needs to be done. The most severe critics accused the Trump administration of accepting the Saudi version of the events and giving a pass to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, many of whom are skeptical did not order the 39; assassination.

The bill introduced Thursday would require sanctions within 30 days against anyone involved in Khashoggi's death, including "any Saudi government official or member of the royal family" determined to participate .

A report on the kingdom's human rights record would also be required within 30 days.

"Our bill sends an important signal and, coupled with the efforts announced by the Treasury Department, goes a long way toward addressing despicable behavior on many fronts," Graham said in a statement.

To help deal with the crisis in Yemen, the bill would suspend arms sales to Saudi Arabia and ban the US military from refueling planes from the Saudi coalition.

The administration announced last week the end of refueling in flight.

"The recent decision by the administration to suspend US air-to-air supply to the Saudi coalition in the absence of a real strategy to end this conflict is an empty action," Menendez said in his statement. "This is why this bill makes it clear that Congress calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, urges all parties to give priority to the protection of Yemeni civilians and ensures that only a political settlement end this war. "

The bill would also impose sanctions on both those who block the access of humanitarian workers in Yemen and those who support Houthi rebels.

And the administration should regularly inform Congress of US strategy to end the war and report to it on the causes and consequences of the harm done to civilians by war.

"This legislation provides the Trump administration with a lever that it should use to push all parties in Yemen to engage in urgent negotiations in good faith to end the civil war and face the worst. humanitarian crisis in the world, "Young said in a statement. "Our national security interests and our humanitarian principles require nothing less."