House Proceeding 03-17-09 on Mar 17th, 2009 :: 2:12:30 to 2:15:30
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2:11:25 to 2:15:25( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Steve Driehaus

2:12:24 to 2:12:44( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: because the information is the people's information. but when we look at the records and we look at the classification of documents in the federal government, we find confusion. since 1979 there have been six separate goomplet -- g.a.o. reports talking about the overclassification of

2:12:45 to 2:13:06( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: documents. yet, nothing has been done by congress to address this growing problem. today there are over 107 different classifications. some of these are official classifications. some of these are pseudo classclassifications in every

2:13:07 to 2:13:28( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: administrative -- pseudoclassification in every administrative part of the government. this bill is talking about the pseudoclassifications within the government. the citizensf our country have the inherent right of information so long as it is not of a sensitive nature.

2:13:29 to 2:13:49( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: the bill promotes transparency and government efficiency by promoting a common language within government. it was introduced by congressman waxman last year, who was chairing the committee, and passed this house without objection. specifically, the bill has several components. it instructs the archivists to create regulations to control

2:13:50 to 2:14:11( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: who is classified and how it will be classified with the input of agency stake holders. it provides strange for agency employees who classify information. it calls for random audits of these materials by inspectors' general to ensure compliance. it requires personal identity

2:14:12 to 2:14:33( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: fires to be placed on -- identity fires to be placed on documents to track and uphold regulations. and it restric information from being classified that snot of a sensitive nature. -- that is not of a sensitive nature. essentially, mr. speaker, what this bill does agencies of our government to not only talk with each other

2:14:34 to 2:14:56( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: but it allows the people to have access to the information and the decisions being made by their government. it is an important step in the right direction. and i uld only give you one example to prove the point. and in 2008, and i think this was enlightening, there were

2:14:57 to 2:15:18( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: over 362,000 requests under the freedom of information act to the federal government. 121,000 of those requests still remain to be processed. and that is because of over-classification of documents. it's not about documents of a sensitive nature not being turned over to the -- or not

2:15:19 to 2:15:25( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Driehaus: being turned over to the republish, -- republic, it is about making information available to the public in an easier fashion.

2:15:26 to 2:15:47( Edit History Discussion )

Darrell E. Issa: that's what this bill is about. i appreciate the support of t chairman and the ranking member and i would yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the gentleman from california. mr. issa: thank you, mr. speaker. i yield myself two minutes. i join with the gentleman in his comments and would only anecdotely tell that you this is the tip of the iceberg.

2:15:30 to 2:17:00( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Darrell E. Issa