Freedom of Information Act Amendments

Summary

Freedom of Information Act Amendments - Prohibits the designation of official information as "Defense Data" unless the disclosure of such information to unauthorized persons could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national defense and such damage outweighs the public interest in having knowledge of the information. Specifies facts, circumstances, conditions, and occurrences which may not be designated "Defense Data" including: (1) combat operations not pursuant to a declaration of war; (2) payments to foreign entities; and (3) the fact of cost of research or development by or for the United States of a weapon system. Defines the term "damage to the national defense. Specifies persons who may designate information as "Defense Data." Permits the President to prescribe additional protection markings to regulate the internal distribution and degree of protection of information containing "Defense Data." States that such designation shall not affect the availability of such items provided for by this Act. Requires that the "Defense Data" classification of information be removed as soon as such information is no longer within the meaning of that classification as defined by this Act. States that unless otherwise declassified, the "Defense Data" classification shall be deemed to have expired two years after such information was classified; if classified "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret" within two years prior to the enactment of this Act, within two years after such enactment; and if given such classification or the classification of "Restricted" more than two years prior to such enactment, such classification shall be deemed expired six months after such enactment. Permits the deferment of the termination of "Defense Data" classifications for not more than two years. Requires that any such deferment be reported to the Comptroller General and Committees on Government Operations of the Senate and House of Representatives. Directs the Committees to jointly publish annually such reports deleting any "Defense Data" in such reports. Requires the Comptroller General to monitor the actions taken to implement and adhere to the provisions and policies of this Act.

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1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 31 August 1976

  Open at official source

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