Rep. Ritchie Torres

BREAKING: The system for handling classified info is BROKEN. Congress must fix it.

I’m introducing Defending Our Classified Secrets (DOCS) Act, which requires federal officials, within 30 days of leaving office, to certify under oath that they possess no classified documents. It would also require a tracking system for classified documents that have been removed from a secure location.

Jan 26, 2023 at 7:33pmWeb
Show threadSkibummJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres thank you for starting this process, it’s long overdue!
Show threadBarb Elliott Jan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres Why is it on paper at all? Can’t things be electronic now?
Show threadshyduroffJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres … +++ …
Show threadSomcakJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres Agreed! When I handled sensitive info, not even classified, it wasn't allowed to leave the room. Why there are no repercussions for those dealing in classified documents is beyond me.
Show threadTylerJWhitJan 26, 2023

@RitchieTorres this doesn't do anything substantiative.

If you want to fix the classified system you need to find a way to ensure NARA and specifically ISOO are properly managed & funded.

1. Ensure that proper data mining is maintained
2. Control how classified information is shared
3. Improve the classification system to ensure that ONLY the documents that need classified are actually classified. Classified documents should not be defacto.
4. Revamp the way the DCSA gives security clearance.

Show threadJorge StolfiJan 26, 2023

@RitchieTorres

What is amazing is that the agencies that produce classified documents don't keep track of them.

How many classified documents that are known to have been created in the last N years have their current location and holder unknown?

How many classified documents that have been created have no record of even existing?

Show thread.Jan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres I would think that if I take notes on a classified document then my notes become classified as well. How do you keep track of this? I know that taking notes are not permitted under many circumstances and depending on rank or position. But I would prefer that POTUS takes notes, understands and can refer to the notes in the moment of critical decision making. Is there a mechanism that classified the POTUS personal notes?
Show threadspheruliticJan 27, 2023
@ferluc @RitchieTorres a personal note is classified if it contains classified info. The info is classified, not the format. But you’ve identified the problem. The Prez jots a note about a crisis and then days (or months) later he or someone below him decides that topic would hurt national security if released. Suddenly it’s a classified note. It’s not marked and maybe in a drawer somewhere. Of course it could be found years later.
Show threadJeff MoeJan 26, 2023

@RitchieTorres

Why is it when someone powerful breaks the law, instead of enforcing the law, new laws get written?

Show threadMartin Vermeer FCDJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres This is not the fix. It just adds red tape. Unfollowed.
Show threadLog 🪵Jan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres I implore you to do more than just slapping an adhesive bandage over a mainstream media news story. The larger problem is the whole military-industrial complex. The government needs to directly employ the people who handle classified, and ensure they are physically and financially secure, personally invested in a permanent mutually beneficial relationship. It's hard to be loyal to a government that treats its workers as disposable.
Show threadPat GaedekeJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres What an amazing idea that should have been put in practice 50 years ago.
Show threadIncorrigible Maker for HARRISJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres
Excellent! But how about adding the thing that seems to be at the root of the problem - a requirement for the creating agency to track EVERY COPY of the document they create and be held accountable for the location of each and every one
Show threadRWPOINTWOMANJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres I would go with Beau's suggestion that counterintelligence go through all their stuff to catch this.
Show threadJakeJan 26, 2023
@RitchieTorres what are the easy odds this doesn't pass the house? :D
Show threadSterling EricssonJan 27, 2023

@RitchieTorres Wouldn't it be better to also make sure things are declassified when they are past their point of usefulness?

The vast majority of "classified" documents that Biden turned over were itineraries and other Presidential travel documents.

Why are those sorts of things still classified?

Show threadRadicalWoman111Jan 27, 2023

@RitchieTorres
The only problem with this is that if it's the type of official who breaks their oath to the Constitution, then swearing they've turned in all classified documents when they haven't won't phase them.

Also, classified documents can be photographed with people's phones or run through a copier.

Plus, classified documents are handled by countless people other than federal officials...their staffs, for example.

Show threadLG MediaJan 27, 2023
@RitchieTorres need digital policy too
Show threadProfApplebyJan 27, 2023
@RitchieTorres just curious, do you feel 30 days is enough time? I assume the transition period to be totally chaotic on personal levels. Maybe extend to 60 or 90 days?
Show threadrobeagleJan 27, 2023
@RitchieTorres Hopefully it passes swiftly with Bipartisan support!
Show threadAaron GrebnerJan 27, 2023
@RitchieTorres seems like a good start. Also why are paper copies of CLASSIFIED information being printed? It’s 2023. Let’s stop that.
Show threadTom MorrisJan 27, 2023
@RitchieTorres
Are you going to fund this appropriately? The real reason the system is broken is that far too many documents are being classified. Some of them no doubt involve national security but many do not. Classifying some Top Secret is a great way to bury embarrassing information.