WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US Senate on Thursday approved a bill ending US military support for the war in Yemen in a clear challenge to President Donald Trump in a historic vote that reflects lawmakers' anger at the killing of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Although this measure would have to go through other obstacles until it becomes law, a 56-member vote and a 41-member objection is the first such measure in which either House of Representatives supports a move to withdraw US troops from foreign military action under the War Powers Act.
The law, enacted during the Vietnam War, tightened the president's ability to keep US troops in front of potential hostilities without congressional approval.
The decision can not be discussed in the House of Representatives before January and is expected to be vetoed by Vito Trump, who has good relations with Saudi Arabia's strategic ally.
But his approval in the Senate (56 votes to 41) has symbolic significance and shows Republican and Democratic senators' anger at Riyadh.
"Today we say to the tyrannical regime in Saudi Arabia that we will no longer be part of its military adventures," said Senator Bernie Sanders.
"By his historic vote, the Senate sends a clear message to Saudi Arabia that we will not turn a blind eye to its human rights violations and the liquidation of dissidents and innocent Yemenis," said Senator Rand Paul.
The move is a strong political message to Riyadh and a rebuke to the White House after Trump rejected the assessment by the CIA of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in his consulate in Istanbul more than a year ago. two months.