In Support of the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007

On March 14, 2007, the full United States House of Representatives voted 308 to 117 to pass legislation (H.R. 1309) cosponsored by Representative Todd Platts to strengthen and modernize the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  The following are remarks delivered by Rep. Platts on the House floor in support of the bill: 

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1309, the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007.

Open and accountable government make up the cornerstones of good government. This legislation before us today seeks to strengthen these cornerstones.

The Freedom of Information Act was signed into law over 40 years ago, in July 1966, enacted after 11 years of debate. FOIA established a statutory right of public access to executive branch information.

FOIA provides that any person has the right to obtain Federal agency records. Originally, the act included nine categories of information protected from disclosure, and Congress has added additional exemptions over time.

Balancing the need for open government with the need to protect information vital to national security and personal privacy is a constant struggle. Federal Departments and agencies are operating in the post-9/11 information age and face 21st century security, information management, and resource challenges.

As we seek to achieve this balance we must remember the words of Thomas Jefferson who said, "Information is the currency of democracy." FOIA is an essential tool to ensure that the citizens of our great Nation have access to information in the way that Thomas Jefferson envisioned.

Over the past several years, the Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability, on which I had the privilege to serve as Chair, conducted multiple hearings on FOIA implementation.
   
In response to legislative proposals introduced last session in the House and Senate, as well as the oversight conducted by the subcommittee, President Bush issued Executive Order 13392, entitled Improving Agency Disclosure of Information, on December 14, 2005. This document sought to improve the overall processing of FOIA requests, creating a more citizen-centered and results-oriented approach to information policy. And I certainly commend the administration for their efforts.
  
In response to that effort, though, we believed further work was needed. On September 27, 2006, the subcommittee marked up legislation very similar to that legislation before us here today. Specifically, the OPEN Government Act, introduced by my colleague from Texas, Lamar Smith, like the bill before us today, would close loopholes in FOIA, help requesters obtain more timely response, and provide FOIA officials with the tools they need to ensure that the Federal Government remains open and accessible.

While the legislation before us today includes provisions not included in Representative Smith's legislation from last session and to which he is currently opposed, I certainly want to commend Representative Smith for his leadership and dedicated efforts to improve the Freedom of Information Act and to make government more open and accountable.

I also want to thank Chairman [Henry] Waxman of the full committee and subcommittee Chairman Clay for their efforts in moving this legislation forward quickly and, as well, recognize Ranking Member [Tom] Davis of the full committee and Ranking Member [Michael] Turner at the subcommittee for their efforts.

This legislation is about open and accountable government. I urge a ``yes'' vote.