# Classified Documents Accountability Act: What It Actually Does

This bill creates new rules and penalties for how classified government documents are handled when a president leaves office. Right now, there's a criminal law that punishes people for illegally keeping classified documents, but this bill adds a civil penalty option—meaning the government can sue someone and make them pay money without necessarily proving a crime. If someone is caught keeping classified documents they shouldn't have, they could be forced to pay up to $500,000 per violation, on top of any criminal charges they might face.

The bill also sets up a new oversight system during presidential transitions. It requires someone from the National Archives to be physically present in the White House and Vice President's office to keep track of all official records and make sure classified materials are handled properly. When a president's term ends, both the outgoing president and vice president must officially certify to the Attorney General and the Archivist whether they've kept any classified documents. This certification has to happen by the first day the new administration takes office—except if a president is serving a second consecutive term.

If an outgoing president or vice president refuses to submit this certification, they face real consequences. The government can cut off their federal funding for office space, staff, and travel. They can also lose up to half of their pension payments until they comply. These penalties are designed to create a strong incentive for cooperation. The bill also includes a clarification that nothing in it changes existing whistleblower protections for federal employees who report wrongdoing.

Classified Documents Accountability Act

Quigley, Mike

Classified Documents Accountability Act This bill provides for civil penalties for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material and establishes a certification process for presidential records. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to bring a civil action in U.S. district court and provides for a civil penalty of up to $500,000 per violation for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material. An officer or employee from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) must be present in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to ensure proper logging and handling of presidential and vice-presidential records. Any record of the President and Vice President shall be screened for classified material by NARA during the presidential transition and shall be retained by NARA. The outgoing President and Vice President or designee must certify whether they have retained any classified records. The bill establishes penalties for noncompliance, including a limitation on funds for travel and a reduction in pension.