The Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) will hold its next public meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Senate Visitor Center located within the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
The discussion, which will include PIDB members, guest speakers, and public questions, will focus on the continuing need for transparency on records relating to 9/11, as we approach the 25th anniversary of those events, and a mandatory declassification milestone for this material.
Registration
Join us for the meeting on January 14th, either in person or by watching the live stream. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual.
Click here to register for the January 14, 2026, PIDB Public Meeting
Remarks from Congressional Guests
We look forward to opening remarks at the Public Meeting from U.S. Senators John Cornyn of Texas, Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, all of whom have been instrumental in the pursuit of classification and declassification reform. Through a shared goal of reducing government overclassification and modernizing the system, they have supported and co-sponsored legislation to address these challenges. Their combined experience – spanning congressional intelligence and oversight committees and extensive experience within the intelligence community– has been instrumental in advancing a robust approach to classification and declassification reform.
Agenda
| Time | Topic | Presenter/ Lead |
| 3:30pm | Opening remarks | Mark Angelson, PIDB Chair & Congressional Guests |
| 3:50pm | Understanding Classification & Declassification | Michael Thomas, ISOO Director |
| 3:55pm | The PIDB’s Pursuit of 9/11 Records | Ezra Cohen, PIDB Vice Chair |
| 4:00pm | Building a Bridge to Broader Reforms | Alissa Starzak, PIDB Member |
| 4:05pm | Making the Case for Greater Transparency | Val Demings, PIDB Member & Guest Speakers |
| 4:20pm | Welcoming Support from Congress | Carter Burwell, PIDB Vice Chair |
| 4:25pm | PIDB Priorities for Action | Ezra Cohen, PIDB Vice Chair |
| 4:30pm | Questions from the Audience | Mark Angelson, PIDB Chair |
| 5:00pm | Adjournment |