Anonymous Republican Senator Blocked Foia Reform Bill

Why may it be important that this anonymous senator is a Republican? Anonymous Republican Senator Blocked FOIA Reform BillBy Cliff Montgomery – June 6th, 2007A G.O.P. senator placed an anonymous hold on the OPEN Government Act, a bipartisan effort to reinforce the Freedom of Information Act, that kept the Senate from voting on the bill during the last week of May.”Regrettably, an anonymous Republican hold is stalling this important Freedom of Information Act legislation, needlessly delaying long-overdue reforms to strengthen FOIA and to protect the public’s right to know,” Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) said during a May 24th floor statement.Leahy is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill along with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).”It is both unfortunate and ironic that this bipartisan bill, which promotes sunshine and openness in our government, is being hindered by a secret and anonymous hold. This is a good government bill that Democrats and Republicans alike, can and should work together to enact,” Sen. Leahy said in the Senate statement.”I hope that the Senator placing the secret hold on this bill will come forward, so that we can resolve any legitimate concerns, and the full Senate can promptly act on this legislation,” he added.Why did the anonymous senator behave in this way–and why may it be important that this senator is a Republican?A keen eye will no doubt notice that practically every administration–and through it, every senator and House member belonging to the same political party–cares less for an open government than the political party on the other side of the aisle.But even before Sept. 11th, 2001, the Bush Administration has showed a love for secrecy that would have made Nixon blush.  So perhaps blind adherence to Bush Administration policy is the real reason for the hold from this anonymous Republican senator, who apparently cares so little for the American people’s rule–or is so afraid of it–that he or she won’t even reveal their name.We quote from Sen. Leahy’s Senate floor speech below:”Mr. President, I am deeply disappointed that the Senate may not consider the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act,” the OPEN Government Act, S. 849, before it adjourns for the Memorial Day recess.”The Judiciary Committee favorably reported this bipartisan bill. We have filed a committee report on this important legislation.”Regrettably, an anonymous Republican hold is stalling this important Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, legislation, needlessly delaying long-overdue reforms to strengthen FOIA and toprotect the public’s right to know.”It is both unfortunate and ironic that this bipartisan bill, which promotes sunshine and openness in our government, is being hindered by a secret and anonymous hold. This is a good government bill that Democrats and Republicans alike, can and should work together to enact.”I hope that the Senator placing the secret hold on this bill will come forward, so that we can resolve any legitimate concerns, and the full Senate can promptly act on this legislation.”The OPEN Government Act is cosponsored by 10 Senators from both sides of the aisle. This bill is also endorsed by more than 100 business, public interest, and news organizations from across the political and ideological spectrum, including, the American Library Association,  Conservation Congress, the Liberty Coalition, OpenTheGovernment.org, the Sunshine in Government Initiative, the Republican Liberty Caucus  and Public Citizen.”I thank all of the cosponsors of this bill and commend Senator Cornyn as our lead Republican sponsor. I also thank the many open government organizations that are working tirelessly to encourage the Congress to enact this bill this year…[for the bill] should be passed without further delay.”The OPEN Government Act promotes and enhances public disclosure of government information under FOIA, by helping Americans to obtain timely responses to their FOIA requests and improving transparency in the Federal Government’s FOIA process.”During the recent hearing that the Judiciary Committee held on this legislation, we learned that,although FOIA remains an indispensable tool in shedding light on bad policies and government abuses, this open government law is being hampered by excessive delays and lax FOIA compliance.”Today, Americans who seek information under FOIA remain less likely to obtain it thanduring any other time in FOIA’s 40-year history. This bill would help to reverse this trend and to restore the public’s trust in their government.”Senator Cornyn and I both know that open government is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It is an American issue…[and I] urge all Members of the Senate to join me in supporting this important open government legislation.”Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!