Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021

United States117th CongressHR-1392House of Representatives
Updated: Apr 22, 2021

Summary

Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021 This bill imposes temporary limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires various reports and actions related to the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The President may not transfer or authorize for export certain defense articles or services to Saudi Arabia for 120 days after this bill's enactment. The prohibition shall remain in effect for up to three years unless the President periodically certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia has not conducted (1) forced repatriation, intimidation, or killing of dissidents in other countries; (2) unjust imprisonment in Saudi Arabia of U.S. citizens or lawful aliens; or (3) torture of detainees in custody of the government of Saudi Arabia. The President shall certify to Congress that individuals with Saudi diplomatic credentials are not using such credentials to track or harass Saudi nationals in the United States. If the President does not make such a certification, the President shall close at least one Saudi diplomatic or consular facility in the United States until the certification is made. The bill requires reports to Congress on (1) whether any Saudi officials have engaged in a consistent pattern of harassment against any individual in the United States, and (2) whether the intelligence community fulfilled its duty to warn Khashoggi of the threats to his life.

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Timeline

  1. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2032)

    House of Representatives

  2. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 350 - 71 (Roll no. 130). (text: 04/19/2021 CR H1939-1941)

    House of Representatives

    View vote
  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    House of Representatives

  4. Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

    Senate