Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021

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.

Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021 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 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 has not conducted (1) forced repatriation, silencing, 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.

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

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2032)

Passed/agreed to in House: 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)

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)

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1939-1942)

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1392.

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Introduced in House

Introduced in House

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.