http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h9Skz91-72gGAhXz27N6EerI1rUwD8THG5RO1Senate Passes FOIA Bill
By JIM ABRAMS – 22 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Reversing a trend toward secrecy, federal agencies would have to be more responsive to Freedom of Information Act requests under legislation approved by the Senate Friday.
The bill, approved by voice vote, commits the government to be more open, shifting policies that since the Sept. 11 attacks have emphasized security in responding to requests for information.
The measure makes minor revisions to previously passed legislation to meet House concerns. The House could take it up next week, before adjourning for the year.
The bill would give the 40-year-old act its first makeover in a decade, streamlining a process plagued by long delays and bureaucratic obstacles.