Senators insist on full disclosure of unedited 9/11 documents regarding Saudi involvement.

The Push for Transparency: Senators Demand Unredacted Documents on⁣ Saudi Arabia’s Role ⁤in 9/11 Attacks

The leaders of the Senate Homeland Security‌ Committee are taking a stand on the 22nd anniversary of​ the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) are urging the federal government to reveal ‍unredacted ⁢documents that shed light on Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the tragic events. In a letter addressed to Attorney General ‍Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray, the senators express their frustration‌ with the lack of transparency surrounding Saudi Arabia’s role in the attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.

A Quest ‌for Accountability

The senators emphasize the impact of the attacks on the families⁣ who lost loved ones that day, stating, “No ⁢one was more affected​ by these attacks than the⁢ families of ‌those whose ​lives were lost ‍on that day, and who have struggled to obtain⁢ accountability ever since.” They argue that their ongoing inquiry into Saudi Arabia’s attempts to influence U.S. affairs has only‌ reinforced the need for⁤ transparency, particularly regarding the ⁤country’s connection to the 9/11 attacks.

A ⁣Long-Standing Battle

Blumenthal and Johnson highlight their previous efforts to obtain​ unredacted records. They reveal that their letters to top officials on July‌ 18 ⁣resulted ​in a phone conference, during which Senate staffers pushed for the release ⁣of ‌an unredacted copy of “Operation ⁣Encore,” which contains crucial links between the ⁤9/11 hijackers and Saudi Arabia. ‍However, despite the government’s recent declassification⁣ review,⁢ the ‌requested documents remain heavily‍ redacted.

A ⁤Call for Action

The senators reference President Joe⁤ Biden’s executive order in September 2021, which called for the declassification ⁣and release of⁣ government documents related to the 9/11 attacks. While some documents have been released under this order, they still contain significant redactions, causing frustration for ​Blumenthal and Johnson. They argue that these redactions prevent both the 9/11 families and the American public from accessing vital information about the ⁣worst terrorist attacks on American soil.

A Deadline and a Warning

In their letter, the senators make it clear that they expect a briefing to be arranged by Thursday, Sept. ​14. They demand that officials provide the committee with the‌ unredacted documents and offer an explanation ​for any continued blockages. The senators conclude their letter with a stern warning, stating that failure to comply ⁢will force ⁣the Subcommittee to explore alternative‌ measures to‌ ensure​ transparency and accountability.