Short Term Strategies
The use of the Freedom of Information Act has allowed us to gather critical information from numerous government agencies. Here are some of the highlights:
FEMA — Beginning in 2011 we sought all raw data gathered by the Building Performance Study. FEMA did not respond properly so a civli action was initiated in 2016.
FAA — Beginning in 2010 The National Airspace System (NAS) records for the 9/11 events were requested. In 2011 it was determined that the National Archives (NARA) held all FAA 9/11 records and they were obtained (we thought). NARA provided 623 GB worth of detailed FAA data. http://www.911datasets.org/index.php/NARA_FOIA_36411_FAA_RECORDS_Aug_19_2011
NORAD — Many of the NORAD records dealing with the response to the reports of hijacked airliners can also be found here: http://www.911datasets.org/index.php/USNORTHCOM_FOIA_FY12-09JUL2012-NNC45_Jul_09_2012
FBI — We are presently seeking several sets of FBI records, but the agency has failed to provide a single document so far. Litigation is warranted.
NIST — The National Institute of Standards and Technology was charged with investigating the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings 1,2 and 7. Hundreds of FOIA requests have been made by researchers. At one time our team was responsible for 50% of them. In 2011 the construction drawings for WTC7 were obtained by engineer Ron Brookman. Using those drawings we discovered critical structural elements missing from NIST’s analysis. At present there is a Finite Element Analysis being undertaken by the University of Alaska (Fairbanks) based largely upon that single discovery. See here: www.wtc7evaluation.org
Grand Jury Petition
The Lawyers’ Committee for 9/11 Inquiry is presently evaluating the legal standards by which a Grand Jury may be utilized.
Information Quality Act (also known as Data Quality Act)
The Information Quality Act (“IQA” aka DQA) requires federal government agencies to employ sound science in making regulations and disseminating information ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information (including statistical information) disseminated by Federal agencies. It also provides a mechanism for people and companies to challenge government information they believe to be inaccurate. Business, consumer, environmental and conservation groups have all used it to pursue changes in government policies. Other federal agencies are also required to publish their own guidelines for information quality and peer review agendas.
Nearly all federal agencies are subject to the IQA’s rules, including “any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of the Government (including the executive office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency.”
Department of Justice guidelines require a response to Information Quality Act petitions within 60 days of filing. That response may include the scheduling of new reviews.
LONG TERM STRATEGIES
The Lawyers’ Committee is well aware that short-term strategies will not be sufficient in and of themselves to achieve our goals. The Lawyers’ Committee is willing to undertake direct litigation wherever investigation yields strong evidence of fraud, corruption, or conspiracy in regard to any aspect of the 9/11 tragedy, provided that funding is in place.