Classification Comments from Public?

Has time run out?

A coalition of public interest groups has yet to hear from the national security adviser about its request that he allow public comment on a review of classification policy before delivering it to the president next week.

More than twenty activists and organized groups signed an Aug. 1 letter to Gen. James L. Jones, the president's national security adviser, saying that they appreciated the opportunity to suggest revisions during a summer online forum but are concerned the general's final language may not accurately reflect their recommendations.

President Obama on May 27 requested a 90-day review of the executive order governing classified national security information to ensure information-sharing policies comply with transparency principles he outlined in an executive memo the day after inauguration.

"Soliciting input on the front end of the review process is commendable. However, the opportunity to comment on how that input is translated into policy is the true measure of transparency, participation and collaboration promised by the president on January 21, 2009. Furthermore, an opportunity for public comment will help improve the final product; in 1993, public disclosure of a near-final draft of the executive order on classified national security information elicited substantial public commentary and contributed to significant revisions of Executive Order 12958 prior to its formal promulgation by President Clinton.

We believe this recommended approach best serves the president and, most importantly, the nation. It is also consistent with, if not essential to, the president's commitment to make his administration the most open and transparent in history. Furthermore, we are pleased to note that in its letter to you of July 21, 2009, in endorsing this recommendation, the [Public Interest Declassification Board] recognized the importance of giving the public an opportunity to comment on the final draft of a new or revised executive order before it is signed by the president," the letter stated.

National Security Council spokesman Ben Chang on Thursday said, "The general is working on a response which we expect to have soon."

When Nextgov asked if there would be a public comment period before the language is due on Aug. 27, he said, "I'm going to let the letter speak for itself."

The co-signers of the Aug. 1 request include representatives from OpenTheGovernment.org, Federation of American Scientists, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.