Saudi Crown Prince MBS meets U.S. lawmakers as investment and security agreements advance.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to meet lawmakers during the second day of his U.S. visit aimed at strengthening economic and security ties. The visit follows a lavish White House welcome by President Donald Trump, who defended bin Salman regarding the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Several Republican members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, attended a black-tie dinner at the White House for bin Salman.

Once considered an outcast in Washington after the Khashoggi killing, the crown prince’s reception this week reflects his reentry into U.S. political circles. However, some lawmakers remain critical. Senator Tim Kaine criticized Trump for prioritizing personal and financial interests over accountability for Khashoggi’s murder. Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern over some of the initiatives announced during the visit.

During the visit, bin Salman agreed to increase Saudi Arabia’s planned investments in the U.S. from $600 billion to $1 trillion and attended an investment conference with major U.S. CEOs. New agreements on arms sales, civil nuclear cooperation, and artificial intelligence were also announced.

The Crown Prince’s reception on Capitol Hill was more subdued than for other world leaders, with a private meeting held by Speaker Johnson attended by both Democrats and Republicans.