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FOIA News: House proposes declassification reform

FOIA News (2015-2023)Allan BlutsteinComment

Spanberger, Wenstrup Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Reform Security Classification System

The “Sensible Classification Act” Would Codify Classification Authority, Streamline Declassification Process, Invest in New Technology for Classification Reviews, & Require an Evaluation of Existing Security

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Press Release, Oct. 17, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-02) — Members of the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence — today introduced bipartisan legislation to reform and modernize the security classification system to reduce overclassification, prevent mishandling of classified information, promote better use of intelligence, and strengthen public trust.

The Sensible Classification Act would undertake significant reforms to the classification process. The bipartisan bill would codify classification authority, streamline the processes for declassification, direct training focused on sensible classification, invest in new technology to modernize the classification system, and direct a review regarding the necessity of existing security clearances to identify potential areas for additional reforms.

Read more here.