What is the Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act of 2018?

This bill is a United States law aimed at addressing the ongoing civil war in Yemen, the resulting humanitarian crisis, and holding accountable those responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It focuses on promoting peace, protecting civilians, and enforcing consequences for wrongdoing.

Key Parts of the Bill Explained in Simple Terms

1. Supporting Peace in Yemen

The U.S. wants to help end the war in Yemen by supporting United Nations-led peace talks. The goal is to have a stable, united, and independent Yemen without violence.

• The bill encourages political solutions instead of military actions.
• It pushes for direct talks between the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels.
• It calls on U.S. partners like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to help build trust and open dialogue.

2. Monitoring the Situation

The U.S. government must regularly report to Congress on the situation in Yemen, including:

• How the war affects U.S. security interests.
• What steps are needed for peace and whether parties involved are cooperating.
• The threat from extremist groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS in Yemen.
• The role of countries like Iran and Russia in the conflict.
• U.S. efforts and progress toward ending the war.

3. Protecting Civilians and Holding Violators Accountable

The bill stresses the importance of humanitarian access and stopping unlawful acts in the conflict such as:

• Arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances.
• Use of excessive or indiscriminate force harming civilians.
• Blocking humanitarian aid shipments.

A detailed report is required to document civilian harm and recommend ways to hold perpetrators accountable, including possible prosecutions and aid payments to victims.

4. Limiting Military Support to Saudi Arabia

To encourage peace, the bill temporarily stops certain arms sales and military assistance to Saudi Arabia, unless:

• They show signs of honoring a ceasefire and supporting peace efforts.
• The President says arms sales are vital to U.S. national security and certifies compliance by Saudi Arabia.
• Missile defense systems are exempt from these restrictions.

Also, the U.S. will stop providing in-flight refueling (air-to-air fuel supply) for Saudi coalition aircraft involved in Yemen's war.

5. Sanctions Against Those Obstructing Peace or Humanitarian Aid

The bill directs the President to sanction individuals or groups who:

• Block or divert humanitarian aid and access to Yemeni ports.
• Threaten peace or stability in Yemen.
• Support the Houthi rebels with weapons or resources illegally.

Sanctions include freezing assets in the U.S. and denying entry visas.

6. Reviewing U.S. Military Support

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will review how the U.S. supports the Saudi-led coalition militarily, including how funds are used, efforts to limit civilian casualties, and reimbursement for support provided.

7. Holding Saudi Officials Accountable for Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

The bill expands existing laws to impose sanctions on any Saudi officials or others responsible for ordering or enabling the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

This includes freezing assets and blocking travel to the U.S. The President must report regularly on these efforts.

8. Reporting on Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Record

The State Department must submit reports on Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices, specifically looking at abuses against journalists, activists, and any role Saudi Arabia plays in blocking humanitarian aid to Yemen.

Summary

This bill is designed to push for an end to the war in Yemen, protect civilians, stop the flow of U.S. arms used in the conflict unless progress is made toward peace, punish those who harm or block aid to innocent people, and hold accountable those behind human rights abuses — most notably in relation to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

In short, it aims to shift U.S. policy to prioritize human rights, peace, and accountability in a very complex and tragic conflict.