Rep. Shays began the hearing by offering an historical overview of overclassification, and outlined ways that in a post-Cold War era overclassification can decrease security. Rep. Kucinich spoke about the problem of overclassification and related it to the Bush administrations "reflexive secrecy." He went on to assert that excessive "secrecy undermines our country." He identified several administration policies that encourage overclassification. He argued that overclassification is "antithetical to democratic principle." Rep. Tierney spoke about a specific example of overclassification in relation to missile defense. Rep. Ruppersberger emphasized the need for inter-agency information sharing and a streamlined and rational system of classification. She spoke about the need for a simplified and consistent system that would best serve the public's need to know while protecting sensitive information. Mr. Leonard addressed the committee and asserted that current classification guidelines are fundamentally sound, but at times poorly executed. He spoke about the need to effectively track changes in the amount of material classified, and discussed administration proposals to enhance information sharing. Ms. Haave spoke about classification procedures at the Department of Defense, and noted that the impediments to appropriate information sharing are "institutional and cultural." Mr. Aftergood asserted that "the classification system is often arbitrary and inconsistent," and that materials have recently been classified "to conceal criminal activity." He cited several examples in support of his argument. Mr. Crowell spoke about some sweeping institutional reforms that he claims are needed to shift the system of classification from "need-to-know" to "need-to-share." Committee members questioned the witnesses on a variety of issues related to information classification and sharing, and the practical application of information sharing reforms in the war on terror.