Despite constant reports of gridlock and polarization one issue has brought Republicans and Democrats together in recent years — government transparency. In the 113th Congress alone they fought to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act, changed the way the Federal government tracks and shares spending data, and adopted new protections for whistleblowers.

These improvements have been rightly celebrated, but there is more work to be done. As the 113th Congress comes to a close, it is time to identify priorities and possibilities for next year and beyond. The task of opening up the government should continue to bring the parties together in the 114th Congress.

The Advisory Committee on Transparency and the Sunlight Foundation are excited to provide a forum for a panel of experts and advocates from across the political spectrum to discuss their ideas for reforms and strategies for success. Join us on Thursday, December 11th from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in room 342 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Panelists:

• Dan Epstein, Executive Director, Cause of Action
• Sean Moulton, Director of Open Government Policy, Center for Effective Government
• Shanna Devine, Legislative Director, Government Accountability Project
• Rick Blum, Coordinator, Sunshine in Government Initiative
• Matt Rumsey, Policy Associate, The Sunlight Foundation