Republicans Initiate Task Force Aimed at Declassifying Sensitive Government Documents
Extended government secrecy has diminished public confidence, sparking calls for enhanced transparency, stated Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.)
On February 18, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform announced the Republican appointments to a newly formed task force designed to declassify federal intelligence and bolster government transparency.
This task force was established in response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14176, signed on January 23, which mandates the declassification of documents associated with the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Comer expressed optimism regarding the appointees, remarking, “The Republicans on Rep. Luna’s task force are unwavering advocates for transparency, and I believe they will diligently seek and reveal the truth on pivotal issues.”
Luna highlighted the task force’s dedication to prompt action, stating, “Our mission is straightforward: to guarantee that these documents are released promptly and completely, providing the American people with the truth they deserve.”
“For far too long, the federal government has kept crucial information classified, and the American people are calling for increased transparency. This constant secrecy has fostered distrust in our institutions,” Comer declared.
Mandate of the Task Force
The mandate of the task force extends beyond the assassination records indicated in Trump’s executive order; Luna shared that the committee will also look into “UAPs/USOs, the Epstein client list, origins of COVID-19, and the 9/11 files.”
Authorized for a duration of six months, the task force operates under committee rules.
“We will collaborate with President Trump and his cabinet to unveil the truth to the American populace. From now on, we will reestablish trust through transparency,” Luna asserted in the most recent announcement.
The Department of Energy, State Department, and Central Intelligence Agency were approached for information regarding documents related to the origins of COVID-19, according to the letters.
The CIA, National Security Agency, and Department of Defense (DOD) were also requested to provide briefings concerning documents about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Moreover, the CIA, State Department, and DOD were asked for documents associated with unidentified anomalous phenomena. The DOD and CIA were also requested to present information on documents pertaining to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Operation Neptune Spear, during which a Navy SEAL team eliminated terrorist Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
In a letter directed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the task force sought information about documents related to the investigation and prosecution of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Each letter requested that briefings be scheduled no later than February 18.