"Face the Nation," June 18, 2023
Interview
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Thanks for having me, Bob.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
The subcommittee - Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which I chair, is essentially trying to uncover the facts about what went into this deal, who was behind it, and whether there was any improper conduct or wrongdoing and what the structure and governance will be of the entity going forward. There are very, very few details.
But, remember, what we have here is essentially a repressive, autocratic foreign government taking control over an iconic, cherished American institution for the clear purpose of cleansing its public image. The Saudis have been very explicit that they have a strategic objective here. They've been engaged in numerous, malign activities, antithetical to American interests and values, killing Jamal Khashoggi, as you mentioned, as well as other journalists, torturing and imprisoning dissidents and critics and supporting anti-democratic activities, even terrorist activities, like 9/11, as well as the internal war in Yemen.
So, there's a real risk to American interests in the Saudis taking over this American institution. We want to get to the bottom of it.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
We welcome player cooperation. We have reason to believe that players are dissatisfied with this result. Many of them feel betrayed, as do the 9/11 families. And so we're seeking records and documents right now. I'm not going to prejudge where we're going. Obviously, there are options.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Any of the tools at our disposal, including subpoenas and hearings, recommendations for action and legislation are all on the table. We are ready and willing to seek information by whatever legal means we have to obtain it.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
I think a hearing is possible within weeks. The American people deserve a clear look at the facts here. Again, not prejudging what the conclusions will be but what the Saudis are doing here is not taking control of a single team or hiring one player. is not taking control of a single team or hiring a single player. They are taking charge of the entire sport. And it's not just a Saudi individual, it is the regime.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
I think there are national security implications to this deal. Anytime there is foreign influence by a repressive regime over a central American institution there is a security risk. And, remember, this institution plays a central role in our society and culture. The players there are ambassadors and role models. And there are economic implications. The Travelers Tournament beginning this week is going to have an economic impact on local economies here in Connecticut in the tens of millions of dollars. So, there are clearly risk to American security in a repressive regime having this kind of influence over a central, iconic, cherished institution.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
We still have yet to hear authoritatively what the terms of the deal are. But, reportedly, the chairmanship is going to go to the head of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the PIF, Yasir al-Rumayyan, who is a close confidant of the ruling monarchy. And so we have every reason to believe that the Saudis are taking control.
And the 9/11 families feel betrayed. So do the players. And I sat with the leadership of the PGA tour just about a year ago, in Cromwell. They sought to enlist me and my colleagues in supporting their efforts to bring back players from LIV. There is an ongoing antitrust investigation reportedly by the Justice Department. A lot is going on here, and it should be.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source