Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-4507
Sponsor: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Introduced: 2019-09-26 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
Assault and harassment offenses
Congressional oversight
Crime victims
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Europe
Foreign aid and international relief
Government studies and investigations
Human rights
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Licensing and registrations
Middle East
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
News media and reporting
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Protest and dissent
Religion
Sanctions
Saudi Arabia
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Turkey
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2019-09-26
text: 

Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2019

 
This bill imposes 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's government for 120 days after this bill's enactment. After this period, the prohibition shall remain in effect unless the President periodically certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia (1) is cooperating with an independent investigation into Khashoggi's death, (2) has released all detained journalists and human rights activists, (3) is protecting its citizens' freedom of religion, (4) is taking verifiable steps to stop torture of detainees, and (5) has disbanded intelligence and security units dedicated to silencing dissidents in other countries. 
 
The Department of State shall periodically 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 State Department does not make such a certification, it 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. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-10-01
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2020-10-01
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2019-09-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2019-09-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2019-09-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-09-26
text: Introduced in House