William F. Smith: “I strongly support the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007. This legislation gives…”

“I strongly support the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007. This legislation gives the public more information and better insight into the workings of the government by strengthening the Freedom of Information Act, called FOIA. FOIA performs a vital check and balance on the Federal branch. It protects our open system of government and ensures that the government responds as it should to the American people. Unfortunately, the process for obtaining information is overly burdensome and Federal agencies have become less and less responsive to the requests for information. This deters citizens from obtaining information to which they are entitled. Taxpayers should have the opportunity to obtain information from the Federal Government quickly and easily. This legislation contains several provisions similar to those in a bill I introduced last March. These include provisions regarding recovery of attorneys' fees, penalties for agencies that do not comply within the specified FOIA time limits, and additional agency reporting requirements. I am pleased that the bill under consideration today creates a more open government without threatening national security or invading personal privacy.”