Classified Documents Accountability Act

HR 1791, the Classified Documents Accountability Act, requires outgoing presidents to certify to the National Archives and Attorney General whether they retained classified documents before the new administration takes office. Failure to certify could result in loss of federal funding for office space/staff and up to a 50% reduction in pension payments. The bill also establishes civil penalties of up to $500,000 per violation for unauthorized removal or retention of classified materials. These provisions apply to all outgoing presidents except those serving a second consecutive term.