It houses the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for the Pacific Sierra Region of the United States.

The building was posthumously renamed in honor and memory of congressman Leo Ryan, through Congressional legislation which passed in 1984.

[1] The NARA describes the building as "an integral part of the Bay Area's network of world class public historical research centers and cultural institutions.

"[8] The building was named in honor and memory of Representative Leo J. Ryan, a United States congressman who was killed by gunfire during a visit to Jonestown.

[12] The bill passed by unanimous consent in the House of Representatives and Senate, and was signed by President Ronald Reagan and became public law 98-580 on October 30, 1984.