DHS Will Exclude CII Advisory Panel from Open Meetings Law

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The Department of Homeland Security, which drew a storm of protest when it declared that it would automatically exempt all Critical Infrastructure Information submitted voluntarily by private owners from the Freedom of Information Act, has created a Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council and will exclude it from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. However DHS, clearly anticipating similar reaction, said it “recognizes and supports …the important principle of transparency as a foundation for public confidence in government. DHS said it would, “to the full extent compatible with the achievement of the critical infrastructure protection mission” operate within the spirit of the principle. (3/24/06)