How does Congress oversee classification activities?

Congress oversees classification activities primarily through legislation and budget appropriations related to national security. This oversight is crucial as it allows Congress to establish the legal framework governing the classification of information and to allocate funding for classification programs. By reviewing and approving budgets, Congress can influence how resources are deployed in relation to classification, ensuring that the process aligns with national security interests and protects sensitive information. Furthermore, legislation can set the standards and protocols that govern classification, offering checks on how information is classified, declassified, and handled. This oversight function helps to maintain accountability and ensures that classification practices serve the public interest, rather than being misused or overly restrictive.

The other options do not represent the primary mechanisms through which Congress exercises its oversight authority over classification.