A hearing held by the House Oversight Committee regarding transparency and the Obama administration got serious when chairman Jason Chaffetz held up a memo showing the administration had lied, shouting “It’s wrong, it’s wrong, it’s wrong!”
The hearing featured numerous journalists who use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in news reporting, academic research, and to conduct government oversight — many of whom discussed how government agencies “intentionally botched formal requests for information.”
Here’s what set Chaffetz off – what he called a “chilling” memo that ordered government entities to review any documents released under FOIA that might involve the White House.
Meanwhile, another committee member requested to submit a document showing the Bush administration had made similar requests, which Chaffetz said was equally as wrong.
The difference however, lies in candidate Obama’s promises to operate the most transparent administration in history as President Obama.
Via the Daily Caller:
Committee chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, noted that President Obama promised at the outset of his first term that his administration would champion an unprecedented level of openness in the federal government.
Chaffetz held up an April 2009 memo that ordered agencies to allow the White House to review any requested documents that involved “White House equities.” There is no provision in the FOIA for the assertion of such a White House privilege.
“I don’t care who’s in the White House, it’s wrong, it’s wrong, it’s wrong,” Chaffetz shouted.
The relevant portion begins at the 1:13:33 mark…
Two reporters who spoke to the committee, Jason Leopold and Sharyl Attkisson, both said they believe violators of FOIA law should face prosecution.
Most participants implored the administration to simply follow the law, which they have not done to date.
FOIA is a “pointless, useless shadow of its former self,” said former CBS investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson.
Is Obama the most transparent president ever? Or is it increasingly transparent that he has plenty to hide?
