Sensenbrenner Responds to Report on DOJ's Handling of Terrorists in Witness Security Program

Press Release

The U.S. Department of Justice of the Inspector General released a report today highlighting the gross mishandling of known or suspected terrorists in the federal Witness Security Program (WITSEC). Participants of the WITSEC program are relocated, provided a new identity, financial aid and occupational training.

It is unknown how many terrorists have been admitted into the program, but we do know it includes individuals trained in aviation and explosives, involved in bombing attacks and guilty of conspiracy to murder American citizens. While these individuals were included on the Transportation and Security Administration's (TSA) "No-Fly List," their new names are not listed. As a result, they have been able to fly on commercial planes in the United States. The location of at least two of the known or suspected terrorists in the program is unknown.

Congressman Sensenbrenner: "I am outraged by the cosmic mishandling of terrorists in the Witness Security Program. While someone must be held accountable, rest assured that Holder and the Obama Administration will once again pass the buck. Meanwhile, terrorists travel freely under new identities unknown by TSA. Like Boston, the failure to share pertinent information between agencies endangers American lives. This is yet another example of the complete lack of leadership and adequate oversight by Attorney General Holder and the Justice Department. As we heard at this week's Judiciary hearing, Attorney General Holder admittedly does not know what is happening under his watch."

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