The Senate’s vote to block arms sales illustrates bipartisan anger with Saudi Arabia over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
The votes highlights ongoing tension between Trump and members of his own party over how much power Congress should cede to the executive branch when it comes to foreign policy. It also illustrates bipartisan anger with Saudi Arabia over the murder of Khashoggi, as well as the United States' ongoing support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war.
The resolutions from Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member Bob Menendez and Sen. Lindsey Graham , a Trump ally, came after Trump's administration signaled it would bypass Congress to sell arms to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth billions. "There is no amount of oil you can produce that will get me and others to give you a pass on chopping somebody up in a consulate," Graham said, referring to the killing of Khashoggi, who was slain inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul."This is the moment to stand up for some moral clarity," Menendez said. "This is the moment to send a global message you cannot kill journalists with impunity.
Several Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, also opposed the move, noting Saudi Arabia’s role in countering Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
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