The United States Senate has once again requested the testimony of Yasir al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), shedding light on his previous attempts to avoid appearing before the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI). This recent development follows the hearing held on July 11, where noteworthy figures from the PGA Tour testified, but key players such as al-Rumayyan were absent, citing various reasons.
On Thursday, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Chair of the PSI, addressed a letter to Yasir al-Rumayyan, urging him to testify before the Committee in September 2023. The intent is to uncover the undisclosed negotiations leading to the PGA Tour’s deal with the PIF. This request comes after multiple correspondences between the PSI staff and PIF’s counsel, indicating a clear interest on the Subcommittee’s part to work cooperatively with the PIF.
Despite the PSI’s efforts to find a mutually agreeable date for al-Rumayyan’s testimony, the PIF appears disinterested in engaging with the Subcommittee. The letter highlights a lack of transparency and cooperation on the part of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. The PSI requires additional information not only regarding the PIF’s future role in American professional golf but also its plans for other investments in U.S.-based entities.
Senator Blumenthal’s letter also includes requests for a comprehensive list of PIF’s assets held in the United States and details on any United States-based contractors, consultants, public relations firms, strategic consultants, crisis consultants, lobbyists, or law firms engaged by the PIF. The PSI aims to uncover the financial records, employees, and future ambitions of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
While specific details are yet to be finalized, it is apparent that al-Rumayyan will be required to appear in Washington, D.C., in the near future. All eyes, including those of the 9/11 Justice advocates, will be fixed on this hearing, as it is expected to shed light on crucial matters. Yasir al-Rumayyan has until August 4, 2023, to provide the PSI with a mutually agreed-upon date for his testimony.
These latest developments in the Senate’s investigation into the PIF’s dealings with the PGA Tour demonstrate the determination of Senator Blumenthal and the PSI to uncover the truth. As the hearing date approaches, the golfing world and those seeking justice for the events of 9/11 anxiously await the testimony of Yasir al-Rumayyan and the revelations it may bring.
The Business Press 