MEDIA/SAUDI ARABIA/SENATE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “The Senate is on the verge of passing a resolution to withdraw U.S support for Saudi-backed forces at war in Yemen, with senators predicting that at least a narrow majority will ultimately defy the Trump administration on the matter. The resolution, led by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), cites Congress’ authority under the War Powers Resolution and was first introduced in February. But it quickly picked up momentum as senators from both parties voiced outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and President Donald Trump’s reluctance to blame Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder. Most Republicans are not expected to support the resolution in a final vote, but the Senate voted 60-39 to proceed to the resolution on Wednesday afternoon, including the support of a handful of Republicans. The Senate voted 63-37 last month to move forward with the resolution, with 14 Republicans joining all 49 Democrats. Senators said Wednesday they were hopeful they would finish the measure up soon and avoid a lengthy debate over the issue so they could move on to criminal justice reform and funding the government.”
–Marianne Levine and Burgess Everett, “Senate set to buck Trump on Saudi Arabia,” Politico, December 12, 2018 6:44 pm