WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, January 7th, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3), Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-8), and Senator Bob Graham (FL) hosted a press conference to highlight H. Res. 14, a resolution Congressmen Jones and Lynch have introduced to call on President Barack Obama to declassify 28 pages of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 2001. The pages were initially classified by President George W. Bush and have remained classified under President Barack Obama.  The resolution states that declassification of the pages is necessary to provide the American public with the full truth surrounding the tragic events of September 11, 2001, particularly relating to the involvement of foreign governments. 

“In December of 2002 the Joint Inquiry report into 9/11 was released by a bicameral process,” said Congressman Jones. “The Bush administration classified 28 pages of that Inquiry and they remain classified despite repeated pleas to President Obama by me, other members of Congress, chairmen of the Joint Inquiry, and the families of 9/11 victims. I introduced H. Res. 14 to urge President Obama to declassify the 28 pages of the Joint Inquiry because the families deserve peace, the American people deserve the truth, and the release of these pages will not harm our national security; rather, the declassification of these pages will enhance our national security because the public will be better informed. I strongly encourage the Senate to bring forward a companion resolution so Congress can urge President Obama to release the 28 pages. The American people deserve to know what led to the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001.”

“After careful review of the 28 pages, I believe that we must shine a greater light on the facts surrounding the September 11th terrorist attacks. We owe it to the families of the innocent victims of September 11th and to the American public to provide a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding the terrorist attacks. The declassification of the 28 pages of the 9/11 Joint Congressional Inquiry, a bipartisan, bicameral congressional inquiry, is an important step towards answering the many questions that remain for the families of the victims and our nation as a whole,” said Congressman Lynch. “I believe enough time has passed that we can digest the information they contain without worrying about the visceral passions and security implications that existed in the days immediately following September 11th, 2001. The facts contained in the 28 pages can serve an important role in framing our country’s anti-terrorism policy moving forward.”

Also speaking at the press conference were family members of 9/11 victims, including Terry Strada, co-chair of 9/11 Families United for Justice Against Terrorism and widow of Tom Strada (1 WTC victim); Sylvia Carver, sister of Sharon Ann Carver (Pentagon victim); and Abraham Scott, widower of Janice Scott (Pentagon victim).

For video of the press conference, click here.