In a significant development, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has canceled the plea deals announced for three prisoners accused of aiding in the planning of the devastating 9/11 terrorist attack. This decision comes after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) commended the Biden-Harris Administration for reversing course following inquiries from the GOP Oversight Committee and HASC Republicans.

The originally proposed plea deals provoked widespread criticism from the right, as they sought to remove the death penalty option for the prisoners in exchange for a guilty plea. The Pentagon faced mounting backlash, prompting Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, to declare an investigation into the plea deal prior to Austin's announcement.

As evidence of the concerns held by many, Comer shared a statement from Kathy Vigiano, the wife of an NYPD officer who tragically lost his life during the 9/11 attacks. Vigiano expressed her anger and disappointment, stating, "I am angry and disappointed that enemy combatants who killed thousands of Americans in our homeland are now able to exploit the U.S. judicial system to their benefit, receiving support from American taxpayers for shelter, food, and healthcare for the rest of their lives."

House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed these sentiments and hinted at support for a more severe sentence in his post, urging the administration to "deliver long-awaited justice for 9/11 families." Thus, the decision to revoke the pretrial agreement, signed by retired Brig. Gen. Susan K. Escallier, has effectively transformed the case back into a death penalty matter.

The announcement by Austin, assuming direct responsibility for the case, has been met with approval from those who argued against negotiating with individuals responsible for the 9/11 tragedy. The GOP's Oversight Committee expressed their satisfaction on social media as they posted, "It shouldn't have taken congressional action to remind them that we don't negotiate with 9/11 terrorists."

With the reversal of the plea deals, the focus now shifts back to seeking justice for the families impacted by the devastating attacks on September 11th. This decision sends a strong message that the Biden-Harris Administration acknowledges the gravity of the situation and is committed to upholding justice in this case.