Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2008

Press Release

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2008 -- (House of Representatives - June 24, 2008)

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will make a number of changes to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, legislation enacted in 1972 to govern the operations, expenditures, and report requirements of advisory committees established to help Federal agencies on policy and other issues.

Specifically, this legislation would further increase the disclosure requirements for advisory committees and minimize the use of political affiliations in making appointments to advisory committees.

Today over 1,000 Federal advisory committees are involved in making key decisions that affect everyone's life on vital issues such as health care, civil rights, and national security. Increasing transparency and public involvement are essential to having a free and open process.

In strengthening the disclosure and transparency requirements of Federal advisory committees, however, we must be careful not to hinder the process by which the President and other executive branch agencies receive expert advice from these committees.

I am cautiously optimistic this legislation strikes a balance between these two priorities, but I trust the majority will continue to work with us as H.R. 5687 moves forward to make sure we do not impose any unnecessary burden upon advisory committees or their members.

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