Rep. Brad Wenstrup
The nation’s security classification system would be streamlined and modernized under a bipartisan bill introduced on Oct. 17 by U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).
“Our classified information systems are critical to the nation’s security and secrets, and technology has helped increase our capabilities over recent years,” Rep. Wenstrup said. “At the same time, the government too often over classifies information, which has led the American people to distrust their government.”
The Sensible Classification Act, H.R. 5977, which Rep. Wenstrup sponsored alongside original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), would improve the classification and declassification of national security information, according to the text of the bill. H.R. 5977 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 1518, introduced on May 10 by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mark Warner (D-VA).
“As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I want the declassification process to be efficient so citizens have the transparency they deserve, while also keeping our secrets out of enemy hands,” said Rep. Wenstrup. “This bill strikes that balance and will enhance accountability and oversight.”
If enacted, the bill would codify classification authority as the president, vice president, head of an agency, or the individual to whom such authority has been delegated in line with current practice pursuant to Executive Order 13526, and specify how the authority is delegated and the training required to receive it, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Wenstrup’s staff.
Additionally, the measure would promote efficient declassification for records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Mandatory Declassification Review, require training to promote sensible classification, and direct the federal government to develop an integrated technology solution on classification and declassification, among other provisions, the summary says.
“As a former CIA case officer who routinely handled classified information, I know that America’s current classification system needs reform,” said Rep. Spanberger. “I believe that both our national security and the American people’s trust in our intelligence community can be strengthened if we make common-sense fixes to our outdated classification system.”