Hillary Clinton Comes Out in Support of Chuck Schumer's 9/11 Bill
In an interview on "This Week" she said she was unfamiliar with the bill
— -- In a break with the Obama administration, Hillary Clinton has come out in support of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue foreign sponsors of terrorism in federal court, her spokesman Nick Merrill said today.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is pushing for the legislation, while the Obama administration has been lobbying to block the bill.
Although the bill made the front page of Saturday's New York Times and has been in the news for weeks, this morning on "This Week," Clinton told George Stephanopoulos she was not familiar with the details and would not take a position.
"I don't really know about that, George. I'll have to look into it," she said, when asked her position. "Obviously we've got to make anyone who participates in or supports terrorism pay a price. And we also have to be aware of any consequences that might affect Americans, either military or civilian or our nation."
When pressed further, Clinton explained she couldn't take a position because, "I haven’t studied it."
"Unlike some people, I actually do try to learn what’s at the core of any question before I offer an opinion, 'cause you know, it's not enough to say what's wrong. I think you've got a responsibility to say how you’re going to fix it," she said.
Following this interview, Merrill released the following statement on Twitter, saying Clinton backs the bill:
"Hillary Clinton supports the efforts by Senator Schumer and his colleagues in the Senate to secure the ability of 9/11 families and other victims of terrorist acts to hold accountable those responsible. As president she would work with Congress to this end."
.@HillaryClinton on @chuckschumer's bipartisan efforts for 9/11 accountability and justice: pic.twitter.com/uMgV1XcaIl
— Nick Merrill (@NickMerrill) April 17, 2016