Sens. Cornyn, Leahy Introduce FOIA Reform Act

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Sens. John Cornyn, R-TX, and Patrick Leahy, D-VT, have introduced a bill to expand the “accessibility, accountability and openness” of the federal government through changes in the Freedom of Information Act. The act would close some existing loopholes, help requesters get timely responses and track their requests, create an open government impact statement, by requiring that a FOIA exemption be identified in new legislation, and establish a FOIA ombudsman. The “Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2005 (OPEN Government Act), S 394. A companion bill, HR 867, has been filed by Rep. Lamar Smith, R-TX. CJOG and many of its member organizations sent letters in support of the FOIA changes proposed. (2/16/05)