Senators demand urgent answers on assassination attempt investigation
September 18, 2024 | Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the ongoing investigation into a failed assassination attempt on a former president, which occurred in July. Senator Josh Hawley introduced an amendment aimed at compelling the Secret Service to provide all relevant information regarding the incident, citing frustrations over perceived stonewalling by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Secret Service.
Senator Jon Ossoff, who co-sponsored the underlying DETECT Act focused on drug enforcement, acknowledged the importance of Hawley's amendment but suggested that it be considered as a standalone measure in the following week's markup rather than being attached to the drug enforcement legislation. This proposal received support from several committee members, emphasizing the need for timely access to information as part of their oversight responsibilities.
Senator Lankford raised concerns about the lack of communication from the Secret Service and FBI regarding security requests leading up to the assassination attempt, highlighting a pattern of inadequate responses from these agencies across administrations. He called for a briefing with officials from both agencies to address outstanding questions and ensure accountability.
The committee expressed a unified bipartisan commitment to obtaining the necessary information, with Senator Blumenthal stressing the urgency of the investigation to prevent the proliferation of conspiracy theories. He noted that the lack of authoritative findings could undermine public trust.
Senator Marshall urged the White House to enhance security measures for the former president, paralleling the protections afforded to the current president, citing the need for immediate action given the recent threats.
Ultimately, the committee adopted Hawley's amendment, signaling a collective determination to assert their jurisdiction and demand transparency from federal agencies. The meeting concluded with plans to expedite the amendment's consideration in the upcoming session, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on a critical oversight issue.
Senator Jon Ossoff, who co-sponsored the underlying DETECT Act focused on drug enforcement, acknowledged the importance of Hawley's amendment but suggested that it be considered as a standalone measure in the following week's markup rather than being attached to the drug enforcement legislation. This proposal received support from several committee members, emphasizing the need for timely access to information as part of their oversight responsibilities.
Senator Lankford raised concerns about the lack of communication from the Secret Service and FBI regarding security requests leading up to the assassination attempt, highlighting a pattern of inadequate responses from these agencies across administrations. He called for a briefing with officials from both agencies to address outstanding questions and ensure accountability.
The committee expressed a unified bipartisan commitment to obtaining the necessary information, with Senator Blumenthal stressing the urgency of the investigation to prevent the proliferation of conspiracy theories. He noted that the lack of authoritative findings could undermine public trust.
Senator Marshall urged the White House to enhance security measures for the former president, paralleling the protections afforded to the current president, citing the need for immediate action given the recent threats.
Ultimately, the committee adopted Hawley's amendment, signaling a collective determination to assert their jurisdiction and demand transparency from federal agencies. The meeting concluded with plans to expedite the amendment's consideration in the upcoming session, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on a critical oversight issue.
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