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EO 12972Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12972

Amendment to Executive Order No. 12958

This executive order amends the definition of "agency" in Executive Order 12958 (which governs classified national security information) to explicitly include any executive branch entity that comes into possession of classified information, beyond just "Executive agencies" and "Military departments." This closes a potential loophole and expands coverage of classification rules to more executive branch entities.

Federal Register Open PDF 60 FR 48863

Impact dates

  1. Amendment takes effect

Key directives

  • Amend section 1.1(i) of EO 12958 to redefine 'agency' to include: Executive agencies (5 U.S.C. 105), Military departments (5 U.S.C. 102), and any other executive branch entity possessing classified information

Timeline

Immediate

  • expanded definition of 'agency' takes effect for classification purposes

Near term (90d)

  • affected entities must align classification procedures with EO 12958 requirements

Long term

  • potential increase in volume of classified information subject to declassification schedules and oversight

Risks & tensions

  • Vague scope: 'any other entity within the executive branch' could be interpreted broadly or narrowly; no guidance on enforcement
  • Potential tension with entities previously operating outside classification oversight
  • Unclear whether this captures components like OMB, CEA, or other non-traditional agencies
Executive Order 12972: Amendment to Executive Order No. 12958 · Executive Orders