### Question
How does the law define covered element of the Department of State?


### Answer
Under *50 U.S.C. § 435a*, **covered element of the Department of State** is defined as:

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

#### Citation:
  - *50 U.S.C. § 435a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 15-NATIONAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER VI-ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION**

