FOIA Reform Bill Could Pass Senate

A bill reforming the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) could pass the Senate as early as Thursday, but at least one senator has placed a hold on the legislation.

The FOIA Improvement Act of 2014 has been “hotlined,” meaning it is being considered for placement on the Senate’s unanimous consent calendar, where it could be passed without a lengthy debate.

The bill unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in November and would be the first major reform of the FOIA since 2007. Among other provisions, the legislation would codify President Obama’s requirement for federal agencies to act with a “presumption of openness” and weaken agencies’ leeway to withhold documents more than 25 years old. Continue>>>
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