President Obama

Obama signs law updating Freedom of Information Act

2016-07-01T15:11:46-05:00

By Darlene Superville Associated Press Published June 30, 2016, in Fort Worth Star-Telegram WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signed into law Thursday measures to give the public greater access to government documents and records under the nearly half-century-old Freedom of Information Act. The new law will require federal agencies to consider releasing records under a "presumption of openness" standard, instead of presuming that the information is secret. Supporters say the shift will make it harder for agencies to withhold information. The law also cuts the number of exemptions agencies may use to block the release of requested information. A website will [...]

Obama signs law updating Freedom of Information Act2016-07-01T15:11:46-05:00

Fifty groups push Obama on FOIA legislation proposed by Cornyn, Leahy

2014-10-24T13:21:59-05:00

By Mario Trujillo The Hill Originally published Oct. 23, 2014 A coalition of 50 groups urging more government transparency called on President Obama to publicly support legislation that would reform the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The conglomerate — including government watchdogs, civil liberties groups and media advocacy groups — wants a commitment that a number of reforms will remain in place after the president leaves office. "Only statutory reform and your public commitment to that reform will ensure the commitments you have made last beyond your presidency," the coalition said in a letter sent Wednesday, adding that legislation would "breathe [...]

Fifty groups push Obama on FOIA legislation proposed by Cornyn, Leahy2014-10-24T13:21:59-05:00
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