I agree with the Senator. One of the important recommendations of the Commission was a proposal for a statute establishing a general classification regime and creating a national declassification center. The four Congressional members of the Commission, Representatives Combest and Hamilton, Senator Helms, and I, proposed just such a statute last May, the Government Secrecy Act, S.712.
Patrick Moynihan: “I agree with the Senator. One of the important recommendations of the Commission was a proposal for a statute…”
Editor's note · Context
Discussing recommendations from a Commission on government secrecy and declassification.
Share
More from Patrick Moynihan
When I arrived at the Senate near 25 years ago, it was very clear to me that I would look to Robert C. Byrd as my mentor; and he has been. I have sat at the foot of this Gamaliel for a quarter century. As I leave, sir, he is my mentor…
I say to our chairman, as evidenced by the fact that this measure was reported 19-1 in the Finance Committee. I thank the Chair. We are at a moment of history and the omens are excellent.
I dare not ask a World War II pilot veteran to lift this or the rules on ergonomics might be contradicted. But I congratulate you, sir.
If the present report is to serve any large purpose, it is to introduce the public to the thought that secrecy is a mode of regulation. In truth, it is the ultimate mode for the citizen does not even know that he or she is being regulated.





