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In rebuke to Trump, Senate OKs resolution blaming Saudi crown prince for Khashoggi murder

Republican and Democratic lawmakers also approved a measure seeking an end to U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
Image: Donald Trump,Melania Trump
President Donald Trump shakes hands with then-Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on May 20, 2017.Evan Vucci / AP file

WASHINGTON — In a shot at President Donald Trump, the Senate passed a resolution Thursday saying Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the slaying of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and also approved another measure calling for the end of U.S. aid to the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

Senators unanimously passed the Khashoggi resolution in a direct rebuke to the crown prince that calls for the Saudi Arabian government to "ensure appropriate accountability."

It is unclear if the House will take up the resolution. Senators voted on it after President Donald Trump equivocated on who is to blame for Khashoggi's death and praised the kingdom. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that bin Salman must have at least known of the plot.

Passage of the resolution came after senators passed a separate measure demanding the end of U.S. aid to the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

Frustration with the crown prince and the White House prompted several Republicans to support the Yemen resolution, a rebuke to the longtime ally. Others already had concerns about the brutality of the Yemen war.

It's unlikely the House will consider the resolution.