U.S. lawmakers predict that the Senate could introduce legislation to punish Saudi Arabia for the war in Yemen and the murder of a journalist.
Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Bob Corker, stated that the Senate could vote before the new year to cut off all assistance to Saudi Arabia in regards to the war in Yemen.
“Senators are looking for some way to show Saudi Arabia the disdain they have for what has happened, with the journalist, but also concerns about the way Yemen has gone,” Corker told Reuters.
He also also implied that steps to prevent the sale of arms to Riyadh could be presented on the Senate floor.
Corker admitted his staff had asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and CIA Director Gina Haspel to come to the Capitol as soon as late November for a classified briefing to address concerns the related concerns.
While Republicans in control of the House have halted legislation that would have ceased U.S. support for the the war, the new Congress, favoring Democrats, will be seated in January.
Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi expressed that change may take place even before Democrats take control.
“Real, immediate action must be taken by Congress to end this horrific humanitarian crisis,” she said in a statement.