By Lamar Smith
U.S. Representative, District 21

The ability to obtain records from the government is one of the fundamental rights of the American people. Democracy is based on the people’s right to know. That is why I support the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

FOIA is a law ensuring public access to U.S. government records. Upon a submitted request, the government is required to disclose its records unless there is a lawful reason for nondisclosure, such as national security or personal privacy.

The public has the right to know what the government is doing. It is the government’s constitutional responsibility to provide openness and transparency.

Last week, the House of Representatives voted on bills dealing with this freedom of information. I introduced my own FOIA bill last week, called the “Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007,” which improves public access to information.

Unfortunately, my bill did not make it to the House floor. I have voted in favor of a number of FOIA bills but I also have not been able to support all of the bills on the floor due to their threat to the nation’s security.

I want to protect our open system of government and ensure that the government responds to the American people. When the government closes the doors on information, the people cannot monitor their government.

Unfortunately, the process for obtaining government information is overly burdensome and federal agencies have become less and less responsive to requests for information. This deters citizens from getting information to which they are entitled. For information on how to access information through FOIA, log onto the Department of Justice (DOJ) Web site at www.usdoj.gov/oip/index.html. The DOJ also keeps a list of FOIA Web sites for each federal agency. That list can be obtained be logging onto www.usdoj.gov/04foia/other_age.htm.

You can also find information on how to obtain state records at www.oag.state.tx.us/ opinopen/opengovt.shtml. The Texas Attorney General’s Office is responsible for all Texas government records. On this Web site you can find information on open government laws, how to submit a request for a record and even an open government hotline to assist you with requests.

As President Abraham Lincoln said, “Let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe.”

The public should have the opportunity to obtain information quickly and easily from the federal government and I will continue to work for that result.

Republican Lamar Smith is the U.S. representative for the 21st District, which includes Boerne, Bulverde and portions of San Antonio, including Alamo Heights.