The House voted Freedom of Information reforms.

In an effort to prevent firms from gaining a competitive advantage by seeking confidential business information filed with the government by a competitor, the House passed a bill to reform the Freedom of Information Act. The bill provides that businesses submitting confidential information be notified of requests for information within 10 days and be allowed to object to the release of the information. Rep. Glenn English (D-Olka.) said the change will “assure due process rights” for businesses. The bill awaits Senate approval.