"It's hard for me to imagine that some people in the CIA who had firsthand knowledge would be unable to recognize that this would be helpful information for a soldier's death"

In this quote, Christopher Shays is expressing uncertainty and shock about the actions or inactions of the CIA in relation to the sharing of details that could possibly describe or offer context concerning a soldier's death. Shays appears to suggest that individuals within the CIA who have direct knowledge about specific occasions have both the ability and duty to determine the significance of the info they hold, particularly when it pertains to the death of a soldier.

The phrase "It's tough for me to envision" shows Shays's struggle to reconcile his expectations of the CIA with their real behavior. It represents a detach between what he believes need to take place and what he perceives as taking place. He likely expects that the CIA, as a pivotal intelligence firm, should act in manner ins which support military operations and personnel by transparently sharing critical details.

Making use of "some people in the CIA who had direct knowledge" underscores a concern with people who, by the nature of their positions, are straight familiar with pertinent intelligence. These people are presumed to have a clear understanding of the circumstance and its ramifications, making their failure to acknowledge the value of sharing this intelligence bewildering to Shays.

Lastly, by explaining the details as "useful for a soldier's death," Shays suggests that this information may provide information, accountability, or closure worrying the circumstances of the death. It indicates that the withholding of such info might avoid appropriate understanding and as a result hinder justice or the recovery procedure for those included, such as the soldier's household or associates.

Overall, the quote reflects a more comprehensive critique of administrative opacity and raises concerns about responsibility and ethical obligation within intelligence operations. It requires a reevaluation of how intelligence is managed and shared, especially when lives are straight affected.