Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 1.djvu/982

 100 STAT. 946 -Of!

Sept. 16, 1986 [H.J. Res. 580]

PUBLIC LAW 99-414—SEPT. 16, 1986

Public Law 99-414 99th Congress Joint Resolution To designate the week beginning September 7, 1986, as "National Freedom of Information Act Awareness Week". ,.. j.,..,.,!...j,-.

Whereas a fundamental principle of the American system of government is that the people of the United States should participate in the governing process; Whereas the people of the United States, in order to participate effectively in the governing process, require free access to information about the activities and decisions of Federal agencies; Whereas section 552 of title 5, United States Code, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act, helps provide the people of the United States with free access to such information; Whereas the Freedom of Information Act became law in 1966, and 1986 is the 20th anniversary of the Act; Whereas the commemoration of the Freedom of Information Act should include efforts to educate the people of the United States with respect to the substance and principles of the Act; Whereas such efforts should be made by schools in the United States; and Whereas the week beginning September 7 is the week in which many students begin the academic year: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the week beginning September 7, 1986, is designated "National Freedom of Information Act Awarenesy Week", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon Federal, State, and local government officials and the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved September 16, 1986.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 580: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 132 (1986): June 11, considered and passed House. Sept. 10, considered and passed Senate.

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