Open and Responsive Government Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2019): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
S. 2220, the "Open and Responsive Government Act of 2019," would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to narrow and clarify one of its exemptions. Specifically, it would define "confidential" business information—covered by the exemption for trade secrets and commercial or financial information—as information that would likely cause "substantial harm" to a company's competitive position if disclosed. It would also bar agencies from withholding portions of an otherwise releasable record simply by labeling those portions "non-responsive," and it would reaffirm that FOIA does not permit withholding information from Congress.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies handling FOIA requests and businesses or other entities that submit commercial or financial information to the government. By tightening the definition of "confidential," it could make it harder for agencies to withhold business-related records, potentially increasing public access to information currently protected under the trade-secrets exemption. Journalists, researchers, and members of the public who file FOIA requests would be the main beneficiaries of greater transparency.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2019, by Senator Chuck Grassley, with bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Open and Responsive Government Act of 2019
This bill limits the extent to which federal agencies may exempt information from requests to disclose agency records under the Freedom of Information Act, including prohibiting the withholding of a portion of an otherwise responsive record on the basis that the portion is nonresponsive.
Timeline
23 Jul 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 2220 do?
- S. 2220, the "Open and Responsive Government Act of 2019," would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to narrow and clarify one of its exemptions. Specifically, it would define "confidential" business information—covered by the exemption for trade secrets and commercial or financial information—as information that would likely cause "substantial harm" to a company's competitive position if disclosed. It would also bar agencies from withholding portions of an otherwise releasable record simply by labeling those portions "non-responsive," and it would reaffirm that FOIA does not permit withholding information from Congress. The bill primarily affects federal agencies handling FOIA requests and businesses or other entities that submit commercial or financial information to the government. By tightening the definition of "confidential," it could make it harder for agencies to withhold business-related records, potentially increasing public access to information currently protected under the trade-secrets exemption. Journalists, researchers, and members of the public who file FOIA requests would be the main beneficiaries of greater transparency. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2019, by Senator Chuck Grassley, with bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 2220 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2220. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2220?
- S. 2220 was sponsored by Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] (R-IA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2220?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (23 Jul 2019).
Related bills in Government Operations and Politics
Bring Our Heroes Home Act
Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025
National American History and Founders Month Act
Italian Heroes and Heritage Act
More bills from Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
SRBIJA Act
Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit Extension Act
SCREENS Act
A resolution designating August 21, 2026, as "Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day".
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.