WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement after the Committee unanimously approved the Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act:

“Saudi Arabia is an important security partner, but we cannot just look the other way when they ignore international norms and basic human rights. The horrific murder of Jamal Khashoggi demands accountability and justice. After the astounding evidence we’ve seen, it can’t just be business as usual. And since the Administration is dragging its feet on taking any meaningful action, Congress must step forward. I’m proud to have joined Mr. Malinowski as a cosponsor of his legislation, and I’m pleased we are moving it forward today.”

The Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act (H.R.2037) requires a report from the Director of National Intelligence with a list of persons involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi; imposes visa and travel sanctions on those responsible individuals; and a report from the Secretary of State on the extent to which Saudi Arabia’s military and security services are involved in violations of human rights.

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