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Public Interest Declassification Act of 1999

Committee on Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 106-713.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Oct 27, 1999

Public Interest Declassification Act of 1999 - Establishes within the National Archives and Records Administration the Public Interest Declassification Board to: (1) direct and provide for the thorough, coordinated, comprehensive, and cost-effective identification, collection, review for declassification, and release to Congress, interested agencies, and the public of records and materials that are of extraordinary public interest; and (2) provide Congress, interested agencies, and the public with the fullest possible access to a documentary record of significant U.S. national security decisions and activities in order to support congressional oversight and legislative functions and executive policymaking, respond to public interest in national security matters, and promote reliable historical analysis and new avenues of historical study in national security matters.(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Board to recommend to the Archivist of the United States that an agency or Federal Presidential library (library) be directed to carry out records and materials identification, collection, and declassification review activities. Requires such agency or library to release records and materials that are unclassified or declassified as a result of such review.(Sec. 5) States that nothing in this Act shall limit the head of an agency to classify information or to continue the classification of information previously classified, or to grant or deny access to a special access program.(Sec. 6) Requires each agency and library that possesses or controls classified records or materials to develop standards and procedures for Board access thereto, as well as appropriate access by Board employees or employees of such agency or library. Provides access limits. Requires an annual activities report from the Board to the congressional intelligence committees.(Sec. 7) States that this Act does not create any right or benefit subject to judicial review.(Sec. 8) Directs the President to include in each annual budget submission a request for amounts for Board activities, including amounts to be transferred to agencies and libraries for activities under this Act. Requires such agency or library to provide the Board an estimate of such costs. Directs the Archivist to transfer to an agency or library the amount recommended by the Board. Authorizes the Board to recommend to the Archivist that additional amounts be transferred to such agency or library to ensure compliance with this Act.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY] · D–NY

Committees

  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

    A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

    1. Committee on Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 106-713.

    2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

    3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13261-13262)

    4. Introduced in Senate

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