Declassification Reviews of Certain Documents Concerning the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001
Declassification Reviews Ordered for Certain 9/11 Investigation Records
What it does
Agencies must complete declassification reviews of specified records about the September 11, 2001 attacks within the ordered timeframes.
Real-world impact
- May make previously classified 9/11 investigation records available to the public.
- Agencies must report review results and justify non-disclosures to leadership and Congress.
- Information stays classified only if disclosure would harm security or confidential deliberations.
Topics
Summary
This order directs the Attorney General and other agency heads to review and declassify certain records about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks so the public can see more of what the government knows.
It requires reviews of specific FBI documents, records withheld in the 9/11 litigation, and other investigative files, with deadlines for completing those reviews.
After each review, agencies must make declassified material public, explain why any information remains classified to the President and congressional intelligence committees, and keep classification only when disclosure would harm national security or confidential executive deliberations.
Questions, answered
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