We need to:
The Internet has made it easier than ever before for ordinary citizens to interact with government agencies, obtain important documents and keep track of what their elected officials are doing on their behalf. The E-Government Act of 2002 encourages federal agencies to make key information available on the Internet. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of variance in terms of how well agencies have taken advantage of the digital tools at their disposal. As Americans increasingly manage their business, personal, and financial affairs electronically, they rightfully expect their government to make services and information available over the Internet.
Americans also expect their government to faithfully implement the Freedom of Information Act with timely and thorough responses to requests for information. The Clinton Administration had instructed agencies responding to requests under FOIA to release documents whenever they could. However, in 2001, the Bush Administration reversed this policy by encouraging agencies to withhold information whenever they could. President Obama should urge full implementation of FOIA including the Open Government Act of 2007 and should re-establish a policy that favors openness.
In order to promote open government, President Obama and Congress should take specific steps, including the following:
