Obama Puts FOIA Back On Track

In our recommendations to the Obama Transition Team, our first priority in moving toward a more transparent government was the suggestion to re-implement the presumption of disclosure with regard to government information covered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). That was the stance taken during the Clinton administration. Today, on the first day of his administration, President Obama issued a memo essentially rolling back the policies of the last four years and re-introducing the presumption of openness that was mandated during the Clinton administration.

The Freedom of Information Act should be administered with a clear presumption: In the face of doubt, openness prevails. The Government should not keep information confidential merely because public officials might be embarrassed by disclosure, because errors and failures might be revealed, or because of speculative or abstract fears.

In addition, Obama asked agencies to use tools that make the government transparent, collaborative, and transparent as well as issuing an order limiting who can withhold presidential records.

During an open staff meeting today, Obama said: “I will also hold myself as President to a new standard of openness. Let me say it as simply as I can: Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.”

We think that’s a heck of a start, and it’s only Day One; we look forward to many more.