On December 15, 2022, pursuant to the latest White House memorandum on the disclosure of records related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) released 13,173 records previously withheld by the federal government. These newly disclosed records are available online in NARA’s JFK Assassination Records Collection, which … Continue reading NARA Releases More JFK Records, as President Biden Approves Few Delays
Reforming the Classification System: Challenges, Approaches, and Priorities
On December 6, 2022 the Hudson Institute hosted an event, co-sponsored by the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB), the American Bar Association, and the Federalist Society, on “Reforming the Classification System: Challenges, Approaches, and Priorities.” The event opened with PIDB’s chair Ezra Cohen and vice chair Alissa Starzak introducing the topic and providing the board’s … Continue reading Reforming the Classification System: Challenges, Approaches, and Priorities
“Reforming the Classification System: Challenges, Approaches, and Priorities” – ABA and Federalist Society Co-Sponsor Event including PIDB Members at Hudson Institute, December 6 from 9:00-11:00 AM
On Tuesday, December 6, from 9:00-11:00 a.m., a discussion by Ezra Cohen and Alissa Starzak, chair and vice chair of the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB), will open an in-person event on “Reforming the Classification System: Challenges, Approaches, and Priorities,” hosted by the Hudson Institute at 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Following the opening by Mr. … Continue reading “Reforming the Classification System: Challenges, Approaches, and Priorities” – ABA and Federalist Society Co-Sponsor Event including PIDB Members at Hudson Institute, December 6 from 9:00-11:00 AM
Interviews with the PIDB: Paul-Noel Chretien
After a career working at the Department of Justice and the CIA, Paul-Noel Chretien is currently a management analyst at Leidos. Mr. Chretien identifies two major challenges the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) faces: over-classification and insufficient resources in executive branch agencies for review and release programs. He notes that there are few incentives for … Continue reading Interviews with the PIDB: Paul-Noel Chretien
Interviews with the PIDB: Ben Powell
Ben Powell is currently a partner at WilmerHale, and is the co-chair of the cybersecurity and privacy practice. Mr. Powell highlighted two challenges the government confronts in improving the declassification process: prioritization and resources. First, immediate national security issues often take priority over declassification issues. The government is dealing with geopolitical issues and national security … Continue reading Interviews with the PIDB: Ben Powell
Interviews with the PIDB: Michael Lawrence
Prior to his appointment to the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB), Michael Lawrence held senior executive leadership positions in the Intelligence Community (IC) throughout his career of 20+ years. Mr. Lawrence would like to see the PIDB focus on three areas. First, he would like the PIDB to expand its focus to include a greater … Continue reading Interviews with the PIDB: Michael Lawrence
PIDB Posts Agenda for Executive Session Teleconference Held on November 16, 2022
On November 16, 2022, the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) met in executive session by video teleconference. PIDB Chair Ezra Cohen led the virtual meeting, which was attended by Benjamin Powell, Carter Burwell, Paul Noel Chretien, John Tierney, Michael Lawrence, Trey Gowdy, and Laura DeBonis. PIDB members heard a briefing on blockchain, cognitive technologies, and … Continue reading PIDB Posts Agenda for Executive Session Teleconference Held on November 16, 2022
Declassified: 9/11 Commission Interviews with Bush and Cheney
The declassification and release today (November 9, 2022) of the interview with President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney conducted by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission) follows recommendations long advocated by the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB). The release of the transcript addresses one of … Continue reading Declassified: 9/11 Commission Interviews with Bush and Cheney
PIDB Posts Agenda for Executive Session Teleconference Held on October 19, 2022
On October 19, 2022, the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) met in executive session by video teleconference. PIDB Chair Ezra Cohen led the virtual meeting, which was attended by Alissa Starzak, John Tierney, Trey Gowdy, Paul-Noel Chretien, Ben Powell, Laura Debonis, and Michael Lawrence. In the session, the members received a periodically required ethics briefing … Continue reading PIDB Posts Agenda for Executive Session Teleconference Held on October 19, 2022
Interviews with the PIDB: Chairman Ezra Cohen
Today we launch a series of interviews conducted by Rachel Legow and Matt Arnold with members of the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB), beginning with PIDB Chair Ezra Cohen. Ezra Cohen, the chair of the PIDB, served in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community prior to his board appointment. The PIDB is charged … Continue reading Interviews with the PIDB: Chairman Ezra Cohen