Summary of HRES 854: Commemorating Jamal Khashoggi and Calling for Accountability

Overview

This House resolution, introduced on October 31, 2025, commemorates the seventh anniversary of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and calls for accountability for his death. The resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding Khashoggi's killing and efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Key Provisions

• Commemoration of Khashoggi's Murder: The resolution commemorates the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, which occurred on October 2, 2018 in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.

• Condemnation of the Murder: The resolution strongly condemns Khashoggi's "brutal and premeditated murder" and calls it a "flagrant violation of international law and human rights."

• Call for Accountability: The resolution calls on the U.S. government to continue efforts to investigate Khashoggi's murder and ensure that all individuals responsible, including any officials of the government of Saudi Arabia or members of the royal family, are held accountable.

• Support for Press Freedom: The resolution reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to protecting and defending press freedom around the world.

Potential Impact

If passed, this resolution would:

• Formally commemorate the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder and condemn the act.
• Pressure the U.S. government to maintain efforts to investigate the murder and hold all responsible parties accountable.
• Demonstrate the House's strong support for press freedom and protection of journalists worldwide.

The resolution has a companion bill, SRES 473, that has been introduced in the Senate. Passage of these resolutions in both chambers would send a powerful, bipartisan message about the importance of justice and accountability in Khashoggi's case.