HOUSE 1791 (118th Congress) — Classified Documents Accountability Act

Actions

2023-03-24Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2023-03-24Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2023-03-24Introduced in House
2023-03-24Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2023-03-24 (00)

Classified Documents Accountability Act

This bill provides for civil penalties for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material and establishes a certification process for presidential records.

Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to bring a civil action in U.S. district court and provides for a civil penalty of up to $500,000 per violation for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material.

An officer or employee from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) must be present in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to ensure proper logging and handling of presidential and vice-presidential records.

Any record of the President and Vice President shall be screened for classified material by NARA during the presidential transition and shall be retained by NARA.

The outgoing President and Vice President or designee must certify whether they have retained any classified records. The bill establishes penalties for noncompliance, including a limitation on funds for travel and a reduction in pension.

Cosponsors (1)

Darin LaHood (R-IL)