The United States Senate passed a legislative resolution on Thursday, declaring that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, is “responsible” for the murder of Washington Post opinion columnist Jamal Khashoggi.
A general manager of Alarab TV, Jamal Khashoggi, looks on during a press conference in the Bahraini capital Manama, on December 15, 2014. The pan-Arab satellite news broadcaster owned by billionaire Saudi businessman Alwaleed bin Talal will go on air February 1, promising to ‘break the mould’ in a crowded field. (Mohammed Al-Shaikh/AFP/Getty Images)
The bill will now head to the House, as Democrats assume control next month.
The nonbinding resolution marks the first time that the Senate publicly contradicted President Trump, in regards to the Khashoggi murder.
.S President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018. Trump said he wouldn’t let the murder of U.S-based columnist Jamal Khashoggi jeopardize U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, citing the potential impact on oil prices and Iranian influence in the Middle East. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Unanimously, the United States Senate has said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. That is a strong statement,” said Corker. “I think it speaks to the values that we hold dear. I’m glad the Senate is speaking with one voice unanimously toward this end.”
