News

• The US House of representatives voted 350-71 to pass a measure that would restrict US arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
• This bill is in part in response to the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
• See more stories on Insider’s business page.

The US House of representatives voted 350-71 to pass a measure that would restrict US arms sales to Saudi Arabia in response to the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021 was reintroduced by Rep. Gerry Conolly in February, after President Joe Biden promised a tougher stance on Saudi Arabia than his predecessor, as well as a “recalibration” of the bilateral relationship.

The bill would hold the White House accountable for providing reports to Congress about the repression of dissidents and journalists in Saudi Arabia. The bill would also include a 120 day halt of weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, with the potential for that ban to be extended for three years.

The bill allows for the White House to circumvent the arms sale ban if it confirms to Congress that Saudi Arabia is “not violating the human rights of dissidents or detainees.”

The Senate will vote on the bill next.