Cole Azare

Document Exposes Inconsistent Disclosure of Saudi Hand in Campaign Against JASTA

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Flyer filed with DOJ included required disclosure of Saudi sponsorship; version presented to military veterans did not

By Brian P. McGlinchey

28Pages.org has uncovered a striking example of lobbyists’ selective disclosure of Saudi Arabia’s sponsorship of their work against a law that enables 9/11 victims to sue the kingdom for its alleged support of the al Qaeda hijackers.

Specifically, lobbyists used two versions of a flyer that criticized the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA): An early version filed with the Department of Justice included a required disclosure of Saudi Arabia’s sponsorship; a version later presented to military veterans did not. Continue reading →

Vet Says Iowa Official Used Deceit to Recruit Him to Lobby in Saudi Drive Against 9/11 Law

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Veteran’s claim: Connie Schmett recruited him to lobby for changes to JASTA, but didn’t disclose Saudi sponsorship of the effort

A gubernatorial appointee to two state boards, Schmett’s endorsement is sought by national presidential candidates

Schmett registered with the DOJ as an agent of the kingdom; Schmett & Associates received $101,500 for services rendered

By Brian P. McGlinchey

Connie Schmett (Facebook photo)

Connie Schmett, a notable figure in Iowa GOP politics and an appointee to two state government boards, recruited a military veteran to travel to Washington to lobby for changes to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA)—and he says she withheld the fact that Saudi Arabia was behind the campaign.

In October 2016, Schmett and her husband, Kim, registered with the Department of Justice as agents of the Saudi government working for changes to JASTA under the supervision of lobbying firm Qorvis MSLGROUP. According to a Qorvis disclosure filing, Schmett & Associates received $101,500 for service to the kingdom. Continue reading →

Four More Vets Say They Were Tricked into Lobbying for Saudis

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Qorvis-led initiative targeting a law enabling 9/11 suits against Saudi Arabia is the focus of a Department of Justice complaint

By Brian P. McGlinchey

More veterans are coming forward to spotlight misconduct by lobbyists working for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Last week, a group of 9/11 families and survivors filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice alleging broad misconduct by Qorvis MSLGROUP and other firms and individuals Qorvis engaged to work against the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). Continue reading →