Jackson Purchase News

Senators Tom Cotton, Mitch McConnell, and Jerry Moran have reintroduced the Justice for 9/11 Act. This legislation aims to nullify any plea deals made between the U.S. government and Guantanamo Bay inmates involved in planning the September 11, 2001 attacks. The bill's reintroduction follows a military judge's decision allowing such plea agreements to proceed. Recently, the Biden administration released 11 detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman. Originally introduced by Senators Cotton and McConnell in August 2024, companion legislation will be presented in the House by Congressman Mike Lawler.

Senator Cotton expressed strong opposition to plea deals for those responsible for the attacks: “Giving a plea deal to the terrorist masterminds behind 9/11 is disgraceful and an insult to the victims of the attacks, as well at those who served to avenge them. These monsters should have faced justice decades ago; instead, Joe Biden has set the stage to let them go free. My bill will stop this travesty and prevent the Biden administration from replenishing the ranks of our terrorist enemies any further on his way out the door.”

Senator McConnell emphasized justice for those affected by September 11th: “In the wake of terrorist savagery, our obligation is to deliver justice. However long it takes, those responsible for September 11th deserve nothing more, and the families of their victims deserve nothing less.”

Senator Moran voiced concerns over recent court decisions: “The court’s decision to uphold the plea deal for three 9/11 conspirators is alarming. In addition to the plea deal, the Biden administration continues to use its final days in power to release some of the world's most violent terrorists from Guantanamo Bay. These men should face trial for their crimes, and Congress must act quickly to pass this important legislation.”

Congressman Lawler criticized offers made by current leadership: “September 11th is a date that will forever be seared in our national memory, especially for New Yorkers. For the Biden-Harris Administration to have offered a plea deal without the death penalty to the very people who planned the attacks that took lives of almost 3,000 is a betrayal of our cops, firefighters, and 9/11 victims and their families. The Justice for 9/11 Act will nullify this horrendous plea deal and prevent any future ones from being offered to those who perpetrated this heinous attack.”

The proposed bill seeks not only trials but also maintains that capital punishment remains an option during sentencing processes while ensuring continued detention at Guantanamo Bay under strict conditions.