The bill, sponsored by Senators Leahy and Cornyn, will strengthen FOIA, enuring that access to documents through the Freedom of Information Act will be quicker and simpler. It has been backstopped by an anonymous Republican senator through a "secret hold."
According to Secrecy News, the bill should have been passed by Memorial Day. Senator Leahy is disappointed, to say the least.
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.
