JFK Records Act (President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992)
- Purpose:
- The JFK Records Act was enacted with the primary purpose of promoting the disclosure of documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
- It aimed to ensure transparency and public access to records held by government agencies regarding the events surrounding Kennedy’s assassination.
- Enactment:
- The Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on October 26, 1992, in response to public interest and concerns about the completeness of previous investigations into the assassination.
- Key Provisions:
- Mandate for Disclosure: The Act mandated that all assassination-related records held by government agencies be reviewed and disclosed to the fullest extent possible.
- Creation of ARRB: It established the Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB) to oversee the collection and release of documents. The ARRB operated from 1994 to 1998.
- Disclosure Deadlines: Government agencies were required to disclose records within 25 years, with the final deadline set for October 26, 2017.
- Exemptions: Certain sensitive records, such as those affecting national security, could be withheld or redacted.
- Impact and Release of Records:
- The JFK Records Act led to the release of millions of pages of documents related to the assassination, shedding new light on various aspects of the investigation and contributing to public understanding.
- The release of records allowed researchers, historians, and the public to examine previously classified or obscure information about the assassination and its aftermath.
- Continued Interest and Controversy:
- Despite the Act’s intentions, some documents remained withheld or heavily redacted even after the deadline, leading to continued debates and conspiracy theories.
- In response to ongoing public interest, subsequent efforts have been made to further declassify remaining documents and ensure transparency regarding historical events.
In summary, the JFK Records Act of 1992 was a significant legislative effort to promote transparency and disclosure regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It aimed to provide access to government records related to the event and its aftermath, contributing to the public’s understanding of one of the most pivotal moments in American history.