[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ELECTRONIC FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AMENDMENTS OF 1996

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                            HON. RANDY TATE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 1996

  Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of 
the Freedom of Information Act [FOIA], joined by my colleagues on the 
Government Management, Information and Technology Subcommittee, 
including Chairman Steve Horn, Ranking Minority Member Carolyn Maloney, 
and Representative Collin Peterson, today I introduce the Electronic 
Freedom of Information Amendments of 1996.
  The Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] was enacted in 1966 in order to 
provide the public with a presumptive and clear right of access to 
government information. In the 30 years since the implementation of the 
original Freedom of Information Act, our Nation has witnessed enormous 
technological advances. The laptop computer, cellular phone, fax, and 
Internet are just a few of the technological achievements that have 
brought us into the information age.
  The Electronic Freedom of Information Amendments of 1996 [EFOIA] 
makes it clear that FOIA applies to Government records in any form, 
including electronic records, while increasing on-line access to 
Government information. This legislation successfully harnesses the 
benefits of computer technology and, with common-sense reforms, 
delivers to the public increased Government efficiency, accessibility, 
and responsiveness.
  The Freedom of Information Act turns 30 this year--it is time to 
bring the law into the modern information age, using cutting edge 
technology to deliver cutting edge service to the American people. We 
in Congress, as their public servants, should aspire to nothing less. 
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support enactment of this 
bipartisan and important legislation this year.

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