OPEN Government Act of 2005

The OPEN Government Act of 2005 (S. 394) is a bipartisan proposal designed to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by making it easier and faster for the public to obtain government records. The bill would require federal agencies to meet strict 20-day deadlines for responding to requests, establish a tracking system so citizens can check the status of their inquiries online or by phone, and create an independent ombudsman to help resolve disputes without the need for expensive lawsuits. Additionally, it expands the definition of "news media" to ensure that independent journalists and bloggers can access information without paying high duplication fees, and it ensures that records held by private government contractors are also subject to public disclosure.