A federal appeals court handling the case of two former employees of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) who are charged with unlawful handling of classified information last week granted a defense motion to limit the scope of a pending prosecution appeal. In March, a lower court had issued a sealed 278-page court order […]
The Federation of American Scientists and other science-related organizations are urging their members and others to ask candidates about science and technology policy in the 2008 congressional elections. From energy production to climate change and innovation, participants are encouraged to question incumbents and challengers about their agenda for meeting pressing science and technology challenges in […]
In a noteworthy contrast with the secrecy that prevails in much of government and often within its own ranks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is soliciting public comment on revisions to the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), which is the framework for defending essential infrastructure, ranging from agriculture to transportation, against attack or natural […]
The cost of implementing the national security classification system in government and industry reached an all-time high of $9.91 billion last year, according to the latest annual report (pdf) from the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO). The 2007 classification cost figure, which includes physical security, computer security and other aspects of classified information security, was […]
Wind farms that use spinning blades and turbines to generate electricity have the undesirable side effect of disrupting the operation of radar systems. The JASON defense science advisory group was asked to consider the problem and to propose solutions. “Wind farms interfere with the radar tracking of airplanes and weather. The velocity of the blade […]
To reduce unnecessary restrictions on unclassified information, Congress should require agencies to publish more of their unclassified records, we suggested in a letter (pdf) to the House Intelligence Committee this week. A White House policy announced last month to establish a government-wide standard for “controlled unclassified information” (CUI) may exacerbate existing barriers to public access, […]
Newly published hearing records and Pentagon directives concerning intelligence policy include the following. A House Intelligence Subcommittee examined intelligence community personnel security policy in “Security Clearance Reform,” February 27, 2008. “National Security Letters: The Need for Greater Accountability and Oversight” was the subject of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on April 23, 2008. The Senate […]
Recent reports from the Congressional Research Service include these (all pdf): “Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Background and Current Developments,” updated May 28, 2008. “Coast Guard Deepwater Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress,” updated June 5, 2008. “The Strategic Petroleum Reserve: History, Perspectives, and Issues,” updated June 6, 2008.
Stewart R. Mott, the political activist and philanthropist who died last week, was a consistent supporter of the FAS Project on Government Secrecy. A man of many appetites, he seemed to derive pleasure from giving away money to support causes he believed in. Luckily for us, open and accountable government was one of those causes. […]
Secrecy News was removed from the distribution list for the U.S. State Department history publication “Foreign Relations of the United States” (FRUS) after we reported on errors in several FRUS volumes on March 24 and 26, 2008. A spokesman for the State Department Historian’s Office confirmed that officials had ordered the removal of Secrecy News […]
The Director of National Intelligence this week issued a new Intelligence Community Directive (pdf) that defines the structure and mission of the National Intelligence Council (NIC). “The NIC consists of the senior-most intelligence analysts supporting the DNI in carrying out responsibilities as head of the IC and as the principal adviser to the President, the […]
Some new reports from the Congressional Research Service obtained by Secrecy News that have not been made readily available to the public include the following (all pdf). “Tsunami Detection and Warnings for the United States,” May 28, 2008. “Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer,” May 20, 2008. “Nanotechnology and U.S. Competitiveness: Issues and Options,” May 15, 2008. […]