Richard Blumenthal

I have authored a framework for protecting the public against some of the perils, I would like to think all the perils, of AI.

Transparency in our process is as important as transparency in the disclosure of how algorithms work.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant, as Justice Brandeis said.

We are dealing here with one of the most repressive autocracies on the planet.

The potential for its investment in other media companies is pretty frightening.

The loopholes are extraordinary. The lack of transparency is phenomenal. The need for FARA reform right now is immense.

Given the terrible human rights record of Saudi, which we have been discussing and as well, of course, MBS himself, which are overseeing these abuses...

There has been a reference here to a number of acronyms, FARA, CFIUS. The requirements of CFIUS apply to national security threats.

The idea is that when a foreign government, and not just the government, but as we have talked about, if it is an instrumentality of the government, it is operating as an agent of the government, the Kingdom and the Crown Prince benefit…

Saudi Arabia ought to be coming clean about what its role was in the Khashoggi murder, what its role is in the killing of migrants attempting to come from Yemen, what its role is in the torture and imprisoning of journalists, as well as…

The human rights situation in Saudi Arabia has dramatically deteriorated.

They are looking to the public's impression of the Saudi brand, correct?

These proceedings are not in any way the result of a request from Saudi Arabia.

The parallel has been drawn to China and Russia.

The record will reflect that at least two of the witnesses are nodding in approval about greater transparency from our own government.

The PIF and the Saudi government are inextricably intertwined.

They are trying to create that image so that as policymakers go about their work, there is an obfuscation about what Saudi Arabia is really about.

The Saudi logo, the Saudi merchandise, the Saudi promotions all fit that faux grassroots strategy.

This kind of complicity could not have happened without knowledge at the highest levels of the Saudi government.

This is a tactic that we have seen the Saudi influence operation used post Khashoggi.

We do America a disservice if we do not evaluate it accordingly, especially given that censorship and the silencing of dissidents is part of the Saudi business playbook.

This is not just about golf. This is a crown jewel in the Saudis' reputation laundering efforts.

I have frequently said how over-classification, excessive secrecy is damaging to the public interest.

We are not letting this issue go.

If it wants to engage with the United States commercially, it must be subject to United States law and oversight.