Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 4.djvu/104

 100 STAT. 3032

PUBLIC LAW 99-539—OCT. 27, 1986

Public Law 99-539 99th Congress Joint Resolution Oct. 27, 1986 [S.J. Res. 414]

To designate March 16, 1987, as "Freedom of Information Day".

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Whereas a fundamental principle of our Government is that a wellinformed citizenry can reach the important decisions that determine the present and future of the Nation; Whereas the freedoms we cherish as Americans are fostered by free access to information; Whereas many Americans, because they have never known any other way of life, take for granted the guarantee of free access to information that derives from the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; Whereas the guarantee of free access to information should be emphasized and celebrated annually; and Whereas March 16 is the anniversary of the birth of James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers, who recognized and supported the need to guarantee individual rights through the Bill of Rights: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That March 16, 1987, is designated as "Freedom of Information Day", and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon Federal, State, and local government agencies and the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Approved October 27, 1986.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 414: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 132 (1986): Oct. 3, considered and passed Senate. Oct. 10, considered and passed House.

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