Protection of Classified Information by Congress: Practices and Proposals

Publication Date: March 2008

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Media, telecommunications, and information

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Abstract:

The protection of classified national security and other controlled information is of concern not only to the executive branch -- which determines what information is to be safeguarded, for the most part1 -- but also to Congress, which uses the information to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. It has established mechanisms to safeguard controlled information in its custody, although these arrangements vary over time between the two chambers and among panels in each. Both chambers, for instance, have created offices of security to consolidate relevant responsibilities, but these were established two decades apart. Other differences exist at the committee level. Proposals for change, some of which are controversial, usually seek to set uniform standards or heighten requirements for access. This report will be updated as conditions require.