Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act Passes House

Statement

Today, H.R. 3279, the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. Congressman Doug Collins, who introduced the bill, issued the following statement upon passage:

"The Equal Access to Justice Act was intended to address the David and Goliath scenario where a wronged citizen has to go to court and face the federal government's vast financial and legal resources. The law is meant to help small businesses, retirees, and veterans who face the often daunting task of recouping litigation costs and expenses incurred while seeking redress from the government. Originally, the EAJA contained reporting requirements, however, these were stripped from the law. Since 1995, there has been no comprehensive federal report on the total amount of fees awarded under EAJA. With the new reporting requirements and the establishment of an online database, under H.R. 3279 these numbers will be publically accessible for the first time in twenty years. It is past time that we implement transparency measures to ensure this law is working both for those in need and for taxpayers."

"I thank my colleagues Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) for helping me bring this bipartisan piece of legislation to the floor, and for their continued commitment to a more open and accessible government."

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