Senator Collins’ Statement on Release of 28 Pages

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement in response to the declassification of the 28 pages of the 9/11 Joint Congressional Inquiry:

“I welcome today’s declassification of the 28 pages from the first congressional investigation into the 9/11 terrorist attack.  I have previously called for their release consistent with the protection of national security.  Given the significant interest in the 28 pages, I urge the Administration to declassify the FBI and Intelligence Community’s follow-on assessment regarding the allegations included in the Joint Inquiry report. 

“As the former Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I held multiple hearings on terrorism financing following the 9/11 terrorist attacks that implicated charities and individuals from Saudi Arabia in the bankrolling of terrorist organizations. David Aufhauser, former General Counsel of the Treasury Department, testified before our Committee at that time that Saudi Arabia was the ‘epicenter of terrorism financing.’

“The Saudis too often play a double game. At times, they are a helpful ally in the fight against terrorism, but they also sow the seeds of Islamic extremism by financing Wahabbi mosques in other countries.”