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The credibility of the classification system is collapsing under the weight of bogus secrets.

Steven Aftergood, director of the Project on Government Secrecy for the Federation of American Scientists, reacting to the news that the United States spent more than $11 billion last year to protect its secrets. The cost of secrecy has more than doubled in a decade.

Steven Aftergood, director of the Project on Government Secrecy for the Federation of American Scientists, reacting to the news that the United States spent more than $11 billion last year to protect its secrets. The cost of secrecy has more than doubled in a decade.

Brian Peteritas is a GOVERNING contributor.