Hank Johnson: “I would like to first commend Chairman Chaffetz for introducing H.R. 1694, the Fannie and Freddie Open Records Act of…”

“I would like to first commend Chairman Chaffetz for introducing H.R. 1694, the Fannie and Freddie Open Records Act of 2017. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and members of the committee for all of their hard work on this legislation. H.R. 1694 would amend the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, to make its provisions apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when the two entities are in Federal conservatorship or receivership. My amendment makes commonsense improvements to the underlying bill to ensure that all nine FOIA exemptions apply to government-sponsored entities in conservatorship. By passing this amendment, we will ensure that personal privacy and sensitive information is appropriately protected, while ensuring the highest level of transparency for the American taxpayers. I am pleased to have the support of Chairman Chaffetz on this amendment, and I urge all of the Members to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”