House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford has provided an update on the committee’s ongoing investigation into how the Intelligence Community (IC) handled Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs). The statement comes as the one-year mark approaches since the release of an interim report that raised concerns about the 2023 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on AHIs.
“As we go into this holiday season, it is important for me to publicly acknowledge the one-year mark of my interim report on the Intelligence Community’s handling of Anomalous Health Incidents, in which we found direct evidence that the 2023 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on AHIs was developed in a manner inconsistent with analytic integrity standards and facts,” Crawford said.
Crawford indicated that since becoming chairman, he has taken steps to strengthen the investigation. “Fast forward to today, our investigation continues on pace, more aggressively than ever before. Upon becoming Chairman, I hired a new, highly-experienced investigations team to carry on this investigation and picked a Subcommittee Chairman, Dr. Jackson, whom I knew would move the ball forward actively. Dr. Jackson has been engaged and leaned in on the investigation.”
He also acknowledged previous efforts by his predecessor: “When I first discussed AHIs in 2017 and watched the Committee work, I felt strongly that there was more that needed to be done from an oversight perspective. I remain very thankful that my predecessor, Rep. Mike Turner, authorized the investigation in the 118th Congress, which led to the first interim report last December.”
Crawford emphasized support for those affected by AHIs and reiterated his commitment to transparency: “I want to assure all those impacted, whether directly by these attacks or those who have come forward to speak with our Committee to share their experience or expertise, that we are committed to seeing this investigation through and remain focused on transparency, where appropriate.”
He concluded by restating his position regarding last year’s assessment: “I stand by my original statements from last year that the 2023 ICA was developed in a manner inconsistent with analytic integrity standards, and I strongly encourage my colleagues in the Executive Branch and the IC to reassess the ICA.”