Political Quotes

“Over-classification of homeland security information is a major barrier to Federal efforts at fostering greater information sharing within the Federal Government as well as with State, local, and tribal entities, and the private sector. H.R. 553, the Reducing Over-Classification Act, introduced by Congresswoman Jane Harman, tackles this practice in a comprehensive fashion. To that end, H.R. 553 establishes a Classified Information Advisory Officer within DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis to develop and disseminate educational materials for State, local, and tribal authorities and the private sector on how to challenge classification designations and, at the same time, assist with the security clearance process. This bill also tackles the practice of over-classification within the larger Intelligence Community (IC) by directing the Director of National Intelligence to: take new, proactive, steps to promote appropriate access of information by Federal, State, local, and tribal governments with a need to know; issue guidance to standardize, in appropriate cases, the formats for classified and unclassified products; establish policies and procedures requiring the increased use of so-called ``tear lines'' portion markings in intelligence products to foster broader distribution to State, local, and tribal law enforcement and others who need to access such information; and require annual training for each IC employee with the authority to classify material.”