### Question
Can you define what covered element of the Department of State means?


### Answer
**Covered element of the Department of State** is defined as the following in *50 U.S.C. § 3345*:

> each element of the Department of State that handles, retains, or stores covered classified material

#### Citation:
  - *50 U.S.C. § 3345*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 45-MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY AUTHORITIES > SUBCHAPTER III-SECURITY CLEARANCES AND CLASSIFIED INFORMATION**

