The fallout from the killing of Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi — including the continued leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — could prove “very problematic” for U.S. relations, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said Sunday.
In an interview with NBC News’ “Meet The Press,” Tillis said those responsible for Khashoggi’s death have to be held accountable as U.S. intelligence officials reportedly have mounting circumstantial evidence of Salman’s involvement.
“I don't believe you can have someone who would authorize this sort of an act to be in a position of power with a nation that's very important to us,” Tillis said, adding: “If the facts lead to what we all suspect they will, I think it will be very problematic for our relationship going forward.”
On President Donald Trump’s consideration for a new tax cut, Tillis said he believed there was a way to "rationalize" the cut in the face of a growing national debt — but warned of "tough choices so we can balance our books.”
"If you look at the scoring for economic growth, I think there is a way to rationalize that this tax cut will pay for itself through sustained economic growth,” Tillis said.
“If we don't make the numbers, it won't. But if we do and we're already seeing it, then I do believe we create the net incremental revenue.”
But, he said, “it's not going to be enough to come close to retiring our $21 trillion in debt. That's where we'll have to look at tough choices so we can balance our books.”
“No one wants to take away Medicare or Social Security or Medicaid from people who need it,” he added. “But we have to have a sustainable solution and we need 60 votes to get that done.”
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