WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3), Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-8), and Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-4) hosted a press conference to highlight H. Res. 779, a resolution Congressman Jones introduced to urge the House Intelligence Committee to publish the 28 classified 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.  In the House, the Committee on Intelligence has jurisdiction over the pages.

“I have read these pages and can say that while their release will not harm national security, the contents are critical to our foreign policy moving forward. That is why I have introduced a resolution that would enable the House Committee on Intelligence to declassify the 28 pages,” said Congressman Jones. “The CIA has stated that Congress owns the 28 pages, and the Supreme Court has ruled that members of Congress can declassify material. It is more critical than ever for the American people to know what led to the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, and I urge my colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee to release the pages.”

“Our commitment to one another as citizens in a society that values freedom and justice demands that we hold accountable those who aided and abetted the savage attacks on our homeland and the murder of thousands of innocent Americans. The victims’ families, the public, and the press should have the chance to carefully examine the contents of the 28 pages. It is a matter of justice and good governance to make the 28 pages public in 2016,” said Congressman Lynch.

"The House Intelligence Committee should declassify these pages.  As we debate how to prevent domestic terrorism, elected officials and their constituents need to know more about the events leading up to September 11. Understanding what enabled this tragedy to occur is fundamental to drafting a strategy for the Middle East," said Congressman Massie. “The release of these pages will not endanger our national security. Keeping them a secret might.”

For video of the press conference, please click here.