House Oversight panel probes missing and deceased nuclear and rocket scientists

The House Oversight Committee has opened a probe into reports that at least 10 U.S. scientists in nuclear and rocket fields have died or gone missing, and it has asked federal agencies for information and a staff briefing by April 27.

The House Oversight Committee has launched a formal inquiry after media reports about the disappearances and deaths of multiple U.S. scientists and researchers who worked in nuclear or rocket-related fields. Committee leaders sent letters to the FBI, the Department of Energy, NASA and the Department of War asking for information about the individuals mentioned in those reports. The White House has convened an interagency effort to look into the matter, and the committee requested a staff-level briefing by April 27. Several federal agencies have acknowledged awareness or are reported to be looking into the incidents. Key points: - The oversight inquiry was opened in response to reports that at least 10 U.S. scientists and researchers in nuclear and rocket technology have died or gone missing. - Committee leaders sent letters to the FBI, Department of Energy, NASA and the Department of War requesting information and a staff briefing by April 27. - The White House has convened an interagency effort, and a National Nuclear Security Administration spokesperson said the agency is looking into related reports. - Representatives for the FBI, DOE, Department of War and NASA did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and a former NNSA official said he had not seen evidence of a connection among the cases. Summary: The committee says the reported deaths and disappearances could pose a serious national security concern and has sought information from multiple federal agencies. A staff-level briefing for congressional staff is scheduled for April 27 as the agencies and the White House continue to review the reported cases.