Schumer: White House Has a Systematic Strategy of Coddling and Cover-Up When it Comes to the Saudis

SCHUMER: WHITE HOUSE HAS A SYSTEMATIC STRATEGY OF CODDLING AND COVER-UP WHEN IT COMES TO THE SAUDIS

Schumer criticizes Administration efforts to classify the portions of the 9/11 report allegedly dealing with Saudi Arabia's role in the attacks

With the Joint Select Committee on Intelligence releasing its 900-page report detailing its comprehensive investigation into the September 11 attacks, US Senator Charles Schumer issued the following statement:

"In a maneuver that is hard to believe, the Administration has deleted a key 28-page section of the report because it allegedly contains classified information. My understanding is that this "classified information" contains an in-depth report on the involvement of Saudi Arabia in the 9-11 attacks.

"For whatever reason, there is an attempt here to conceal evidence that implicates the Saudi regime in a terrible tragedy - a tragedy that claimed the lives of over 3,000 Americans and put hundreds of thousands of troops in harm's way by leading us into two wars.

"I just don't understand the Administration here. There seems to be a systematic strategy of coddling and cover-up when it comes to the Saudis. We know there are terrorists walking out in the open over there. We know that they raise millions of dollars for suicide bombers and their families.

"We know that Saudi banks and charities have been used to funnel money to Al Qaeda. And we know that Saudi Arabia is the foremost sponsor of malicious Madrassah schools that spew anti-American hatred all over the Middle East and inspire terror. And yet we sit idly by, twiddling our thumbs, waiting for the Saudis to act. It's no wonder that nothing happens - except, that is, for massive bomb attacks on compounds full of American workers over there.
"What will it take to get some movement here? I mean the silence is deafening, especially when you compare it with how open the Administration has been in condemning Syria and Iran - and Saudi Arabia's connection to terror is arguably greater than either of these countries.
"At some point you have to wonder if something else is at play here.
"The Administration's whole policy toward Saudi Arabia is backward and needs to make a 180-degree turn immediately. Declassifying the 28-page section would be a good first step."