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| SPJ.org |
| US Senator John Kyl (R-AZ) turned out to be the anti-FOIA culprit. |
Well, that was fast! And I'm not a bit surprised.
Today, AP reports that U.S. Senator John Kyl (R-AZ) admitted that he placed the "secret hold" that prevented a bill to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act from moving forward in the Senate.
As I mentioned earlier this week, the Society of Professional Journalists and others (including, no doubt, at least some citizen journalists) were systematically checking with all U.S. Senators' offices to learn which one was anonymously blocking the Open Government Act (S849).
Kyl plans to continue to oppose the Open Government Act. According to AP, Kyl "says the Justice Department is concerned that it could force them to reveal sensitive information."
Kyl had more to say, too...
AP also reported: "In a statement Thursday, Kyl said the agency's 'uncharacteristically strong' opposition is reason enough to think twice about the legislation, and he will block a vote until both sides can work out the differences."
That official statement does not currently appear on Kyl's site. I'm guessing it was selectively distributed to a few major news organizations, but I'll check on that. Seems to me that when an official statement by a government official gets made, it should be put immediately on the web site for all to see. Maybe Kyl's web staff is just slow, but we'll see.
In a blog post today, SPJ president Christine Tatum notes, "Kyl is behind another bill that concerns SPJ. Known as the Kyl Amendment, it would criminalize the leaking -- and publishing -- of classified information." (That link includes the test of Kyl's proposed amendment to S236.) Sounds like another one for citizen journalists to watch! The more eyes we keep on our lawmakers, the better.
Well done to all who participated!
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