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ASNE welcomes introduction of new bills to amend FOIA

 
The American Society of News Editors welcomes the introduction of two new bills to amend the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As one of the many groups who were actively involved in the ultimately unsuccessful attempt to pass the FOIA Improvements Act in 2014, we are happy to see both the House of Representatives and the Senate move quickly to introduce FOIA reform legislation in the form of H.R. 653 and S.337. Because similar versions of the FOIA Improvements Act passed both the House and the Senate in the 113th Congress, we hope that these bodies will not hesitate to pass legislation that can be presented to the president for signature as soon as possible.
 
The American Society of News Editors welcomes the introduction of two new bills to amend the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As one of the many groups who were actively involved in the ultimately unsuccessful attempt to pass the FOIA Improvements Act in 2014, we are happy to see both the House of Representatives and the Senate move quickly to introduce FOIA reform legislation in the form of
H.R. 653 and S.337. Because similar versions of the FOIA Improvements Act passed both the House and the Senate in the 113th Congress, we hope that these bodies will not hesitate to pass legislation that can be presented to the president for signature as soon as possible.

“We were extremely disappointed when the 113th Congress ended without legislation to improve the federal Freedom of Information Act,” said ASNE President Chris Peck, associate editor of The Riverton (Wyo.) Ranger. “But we are encouraged to see that both the House and Senate are ready to pick up where they left off by introducing bills that clearly will help the public and media keep closer watch on government agencies and operations."

Improving the federal FOIA is in the best interest of Congress and the American public as this has proven a valuable tool in the public's and press' ability to oversee government.  We look forward to working with all senators and representatives to ensure FOIA reform occurs in 2015.”

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