The assassination of John F. Kennedy remains one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. In the subsequent decades, various investigations, conspiracy theories, public demand for transparency, and our collective endeavors resulted in the JFK Assassination Records Collection Act.
As President Joe Biden and the CIA attempt to thwart this crucial legislation, let's remind ourselves of its main points and significance in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the JFK assassination.
Mandatory Disclosure
The JFK Records Collection Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on October 26, 1992. It mandated the release of all government records related to the assassination of President Kennedy classified by federal agencies.
It set a deadline for disclosure, requiring all records to be made public no later than 25 years after its enactment, which was October 26, 2017. It’s worth noting that the most recent JFK documents were released earlier this year, jumping the deadline by almost six years.
Establishment of the Assassination Records Review Board
The JFK Records Collection Act established the Assassination Records Review Board, or ARRB. It is an independent agency overseeing the review and release of assassination records.
The ARRB's mission is to ensure maximum public disclosure of documents related to the assassination. It is also responsible for identifying and securing records that might not have been previously disclosed or redacted in previous disclosures.
The Exemptions
While the JFK Records Collection Act aimed for transparency, it did provide for some exceptions. Records could be withheld if their release would harm national security, foreign relations, law enforcement, intelligence sources and methods, or any identifiable individuals' privacy.
While these exemptions were expected to be used sparingly and proven beyond a reasonable doubt by an agency, they have been abused by the powers that be to conceal the truth behind JFK assassination.
Public and Congressional Access
Lastly, and most importantly, the Act allowed the public and congressional committees to access the disclosed records, providing a mechanism for independent examination and scrutiny of the documents.
The Impact and Importance of the JFK Records Collection Act
The JFK Records Collection Act has profoundly impacted the public's understanding of the assassination and the government's handling of related records. By setting a clear framework for releasing documents and creating an independent oversight body, it aims to address suspicions of cover-ups and conspiracy.
Unfortunately, if this Act of Congress can be denied, it can also be abolished, as evidenced by President Biden’s Executive Memorandum that all but wrote it off entirely. We need your support now more than ever to push for the truth behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Get in touch to know how you can help.
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy remains one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. In the subsequent decades, various investigations, conspiracy theories, public demand for transparency, and our collective endeavors resulted in the JFK Assassination Records Collection Act.
As President Joe Biden and the CIA attempt to thwart this crucial legislation, let's remind ourselves of its main points and significance in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the JFK assassination.
Mandatory Disclosure
The JFK Records Collection Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on October 26, 1992. It mandated the release of all government records related to the assassination of President Kennedy classified by federal agencies.
It set a deadline for disclosure, requiring all records to be made public no later than 25 years after its enactment, which was October 26, 2017. It’s worth noting that the most recent JFK documents were released earlier this year, jumping the deadline by almost six years.
Establishment of the Assassination Records Review Board
The JFK Records Collection Act established the Assassination Records Review Board, or ARRB. It is an independent agency overseeing the review and release of assassination records.
The ARRB's mission is to ensure maximum public disclosure of documents related to the assassination. It is also responsible for identifying and securing records that might not have been previously disclosed or redacted in previous disclosures.
Image Filename: JFK-with-Kurt-Debus
Image Alt Text: President John F. Kennedy Standing Alongside Center Director Kurt Debus
The Exemptions
While the JFK Records Collection Act aimed for transparency, it did provide for some exceptions. Records could be withheld if their release would harm national security, foreign relations, law enforcement, intelligence sources and methods, or any identifiable individuals' privacy.
While these exemptions were expected to be used sparingly and proven beyond a reasonable doubt by an agency, they have been abused by the powers that be to conceal the truth behind the JFK assassination.
Public and Congressional Access
Lastly, and most importantly, the Act allowed the public and congressional committees to access the disclosed records, providing a mechanism for independent examination and scrutiny of the documents.
The Impact and Importance of the JFK Records Collection Act
The JFK Records Collection Act has profoundly impacted the public's understanding of the assassination and the government's handling of related records. By setting a clear framework for releasing documents and creating an independent oversight body, it aims to address suspicions of cover-ups and conspiracy.
Unfortunately, if this Act of Congress can be denied, it can also be abolished, as evidenced by President Biden’s Executive Memorandum that all but wrote it off entirely. We need your support now more than ever to push for the truth behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Get in touch to know how you can help.
