[20200313]IN11237_阳光周：国会选定议题.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i Sunshine Week: Selected Issues for Congress Meghan M. Stuessy Analyst in Government Organization and Management March 13, 2020 Coinciding with former President James Madisons birthday, Sunshine Week recognizes the importance of transparency in government operations, and the work of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA; 5 U.S.C. 552) professionals across the federal government. Considered a defender of open government, Madison wrote, “A popular Government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; And the people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power, which knowledge gives.” Recognition of the peoples right to know what their government is doing through access to government information can be traced back to the early days of the nation; however, modern statutes provide guidance on how the public may access government information. One critical statute, which is celebrated alongside Madisons legacy during Sunshine Week, is FOIA. This Insight provides a brief summar