Sen. Bernard Sanders said Monday it’s important to have a full investigation into the possible role the Saudi government might have played in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as he and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton offer support for legislation to allow victims’ families to pursue damages against state sponsors of terrorism.
“I think it’s important to have a full investigation and an understanding of the role, the possible role, of the Saudi government in 9/11,” Mr. Sanders said on NBC’s “Today” program, while acknowledging that opening up Americans and the American government to liability is a concern.
Over the weekend, Mr. Sanders came out in support of legislation from Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York that would allow the families of victims of terrorism to sue foreign entities for damages. The Obama administration opposes the legislation, saying it could open up Americans to liability.
On ABC’s “This Week” Sunday, Mrs. Clinton said she’d look into the legislation.
“Unlike some people — I do try to learn what’s at the core of any question before I offer an opinion, because you know it’s not enough to say what’s wrong, I think you’ve got a responsibility to say how you’re going to fix it,” she said.
Nick Merrill, a Clinton spokesman, said soon afterward on Twitter: “Hillary Clinton supports the efforts by Senator Schumer and his colleagues in the Senate to secure the ability of 9/11 families and other victims of terrorist acts to hold accountable those responsible. As president, she would work with Congress to this end.”
Mr. Sanders is also asking for the declassification of a 28-page section of the 9/11 Commission Report, which reportedly deals with potential foreign sources of support received by the hijackers.
“I understand that the Obama administration is conducting a review to declassify that section of the commission report, and I would urge them to declassify this information as soon as possible,” Mr. Sanders said in a statement.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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