Commemorating the seventh anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and calling for accountability.
Summary
Senate Resolution 473 commemorates the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder and calls for accountability from the Saudi Arabian government. The resolution acknowledges existing sanctions against Saudi individuals involved in the murder. It urges Saudi Arabia to release wrongfully detained individuals and respect the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Expected Effects
If passed, the resolution would likely increase pressure on the Saudi Arabian government to address human rights concerns. It may also influence the United States' relationship with Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to further sanctions or other diplomatic actions. The resolution serves as a formal condemnation of the Saudi government's actions and a reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to human rights.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces the U.S. commitment to human rights and freedom of the press.
- Potentially protects journalists and dissidents from transnational repression.
- May lead to the release of wrongfully detained individuals in Saudi Arabia.
- Could improve the U.S.'s international standing as a defender of human rights.
- Sends a message that human rights abuses will not be tolerated.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship, impacting regional stability and energy supply.
- May not result in concrete changes in Saudi Arabia's human rights practices.
- Could be perceived as interference in Saudi Arabia's internal affairs.
- Potential for retaliatory actions from Saudi Arabia, affecting U.S. interests.
- The resolution is non-binding, limiting its direct impact.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the First Amendment's principles of freedom of speech and the press, as it condemns the suppression of journalists and calls for their protection. While the Constitution primarily governs domestic affairs, the resolution's focus on human rights aligns with broader constitutional values. Congress's role in foreign policy, while not explicitly detailed in a single clause, is implied through its power to declare war and regulate commerce, giving it the authority to address international human rights issues.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).