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Corker, a Tennessee Republican who is retiring at the end of his tenure in January, suggested Wednesday's briefings by Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would not be enough to meet to the growing number of questions regarding the death of Khashoggi. Questions remain as to the determination of Congress to punish Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder.
At the same time, Corker said he was expecting the Senate to vote this week on a favored resolution – drafted by Sense. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont freelancer; Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah; and Chris Murphy, Connecticut Democrat – to end US involvement in Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. This measure was filed 55 to 44 earlier this year, but his chances of passing are greater now in light of Khashoggi's murder.
Corker also said that there could be action in his committee on Wednesday over Saudi Arabia, although Senators are still discussing legislative proposals that could be presented at this meeting. In addition, Corker stated that they might consider "additional legislation" for the Crown Prince, possibly even with spending legislation, which Congress must approve before December 7th.
And Corker said he was considering bringing "some improvements" to a request from the Trump administration to investigate whether bin Salman had committed human rights violations and was to be punished under Magnitsky federal law.
"Right now, Mattis and Pompeo are coming," Corker said. "I highly recommend what I did to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell over the weekend, and it would be nice if the CIA director was also present. that people will worry about what is going on in Yemen, that's for sure, but they will also be very concerned about the CIA's view of the Crown Prince, which will affect people, as will happen during of the Lee-Sanders vote, which will take place on Wednesday or Thursday, it seems, the week. "
He added: "There will be many things happening" in Saudi Arabia.
Despite Saudi Arabia's concerns, the Senate majority whip, John Cornyn, has thrown cold water at Sanders-Lee-Murphy's proposal: "I hope we do not let's not let Iran go to Yemen ".
A US official said Friday at CNN that there was still no smoking gun directly involving the Crown Prince and that the intelligence assessment was continuing. As part of this process, the CIA analyzes the relevant information in the context of what is already known about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said the official.
According to intelligence officials, the CIA presented the president with an assessment based on trust, based on the facts.
