Quigley Re-Introduces Legislation to Increase White House Transparency
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL), founder of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, re-introduced two bills aimed at lifting the veil from government business and restoring the full trust and faith of the American people in the office of the presidency. The Promoting Accountability and Security in Transition (PAST) Act and the Access to White House Visitor Logs Act will safeguard the preservation of presidential records while ensuring the public has information about who has access to, and may be influencing, our nation’s leaders, regardless of which party holds the White House.
“Recent decades and egregious breaches of the public trust have steadily worn away at the American people’s faith in their government. Repairing trust in the executive branch can begin with enhanced transparency and accountability. My legislation will help meet that need,” said Quigley. “As they say, sunshine is the best disinfectant. My bills will improve government transparency by giving the public more information about who is influencing their leaders and by standardizing how outgoing administrations should handle documents. The White House is the people’s house—the American people have a right to know that their leaders are working in their best interest.”
Specifically, the Promoting Accountability and Security in Transition Act would clarify and enhance existing law with regard to the preservation of presidential records, especially during a transition between administrations.
The Access to White House Visitor Logs Act would require every administration to publicly release visitor logs from the White House or any location where presidents regularly conduct official business. In 2021, the Biden Administration returned to this policy, however its permanence is up to the discretion of each administration. Signing this policy into law would codify this code of conduct, making it mandatory for all administrations going forward.
Quigley has been a fierce advocate of transparency and accountability in the federal government since being elected to Congress. He founded the bipartisan Transparency Caucus to provide a forum for Members of Congress who are dedicated to the principles of open government. Earlier this Congress, Quigley announced plans to explore bi-partisan legislation that would implement stronger enforcement for mishandling of classified documents. Proposals being investigated include fines, stripping of clearances, ban on receiving a clearance in the future, and other options