The Public Interest Declassification Board held an open meeting in the Senate Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on July 15, 2026. The event featured remarks from Members of Congress, an overview of how the Board serves Congress as a productive partner on classification and declassification issues, and what the Board sees as the critical components for legislation prompting the successful declassification and public release of records.
Chairman Mark Angelson calls the open meeting of the Public Interest Declassification Board to order on July 15, 2026. Pictured from left: Board Member Alissa Starzak, Vice Chair Ezra Cohen, Chairman Angelson, and Vice Chair Carter Burwell.
The Honorable Representative Eric Burlison (left) and The Honorable Representative Josh Gottheimer (right) deliver remarks during the open meeting on July 15, 2026. (Photo Credits: Uma Phadke)
The Board especially thanks Representatives Eric Burlison and Josh Gottheimer, as well as John Powers, Acting Historian for the U.S. Department of State, for their remarks at the meeting. The Board also thanks Senator John Cornyn and his staff for hosting the meeting space.
Thank you to all who attended the meeting in-person or viewed the livestream. If you were unable to attend, or would like to share the recording with others, we have included the video and the link for your convenience. Comments or questions can be emailed to pidb@nara.gov
The Board looks forward to continued public engagement on these important issues.
A very informative meeting highlighting the importance of classification and declassification in making historical records more accessible to the public. It’s encouraging to see continued efforts toward transparency and public engagement.