U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Cornyn (R-TX), and eight colleagues recently introduced the Sensible Classification Act, which proposes an overhaul of the national classification system.
If passed, the legislation would seek to codify classification authority and specify how that authority is delegated, as well as the training required to receive it. It would also enhance declassification efforts under the Freedom of Information Act or Mandatory Declassification Review and authorize additional staff for the Public Interest Declassification Board. Further, the Sensible Classification Act would mandate the federal government and its agencies create an integrated technology solution for classification and declassification efforts, as well as conduct a study on the necessity of number and types of security clearances.
“We place our national security at risk by adhering to a classification system rooted in the Cold War,” Rounds said. “This bill takes meaningful steps to modernize our classification system, which will result in more rapid decision-making, greater agility and improved situational awareness for those who defend our country from 21st century threats.”
While technology has made it easier to classify files, the senators argued that more accountability and oversight is needed to guarantee declassification is both timely and appropriate, lest trust between the government and its constituents erode. Simultaneously, the co-sponsors – which include members of both parties – added that too many people have access to classified information, meaning things are both simultaneously over classified and yet lacking in accountability.
“Controlling access to sensitive information enables the United States to remain at least one step ahead of its adversaries, but declassification gives us the opportunity to work with our allies around the world and show the American people what their government is doing,” Cornyn said.