Official Secrets Act

Official Secrets Act: News Background Analysis Links

An archive of materials addressing a 2001 effort to establish this nation's first "official secrets act," criminalizing leaks of any "properly classified" information.

News

Official Secrets Act 02/26/2002
Official Secrets Act

Official Secrets Act Homepage 02/26/2002
In 2001, Congress passed -- and President Clinton vetoed -- what would have been this nation's first "official secrets act," criminalizing leaks of any "properly classified" information. This web site presents the essential background for the public debate over this "pernicious secrecy bill," sponsored by Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), who will no doubt propose leaks legislation again this year. Read More

The Issues 02/26/2002
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2001 Attack 02/26/2002
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Congressional Letter 02/26/2002
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2000 Attack 02/26/2002
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Links 02/26/2002
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Press, Government "Dialogue" Eases Crackdown on Leaks 03/24/2003
The Bush Administration has backed away from a crackdown on government leaks of classified information in part due to occasional behind-the-scenes meetings attended by government officials and press representatives.
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Sign-On Letter Opposing Leak Statute 11/01/2000
OMB Watch and others sign on to letter to White House urging the President to veto the Intelligence Authorization Act because it, for the first time in American history, creates an "official secrets" act. Read More

Letter to Senator Graham on the "Leaks" Provision in the Upcoming Intelligence Authorization Bill 08/29/2001
OMB Watch will not let the government criminalize "leaked" information. Read our letter to Senator Graham urging him to not include the provision in the upcoming Intelligence Authorization bill. Read More

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