Stefanik bill aims to bring more transparency to legislation process through online tools

The public would be able to easily track changes made to bills and resolutions posted online at Congress.gov under legislation recently reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

The Establishing Digital Interactive Transparency (EDIT) Act would direct the Library of Congress to implement a system that enables viewers to follow and track changes made within the same version of a bill or resolution.

“Americans want accountability and transparency out of their lawmakers in Washington, and as lawmakers, we must work to give our constituents more access to the work they send us here to do,” Stefanik said. “One of my most important commitments to families across the North Country is to be accessible and transparent. That is why I have introduced the EDIT Act — common sense legislation that will allow the American public to see at what stage in the process changes are made to legislation they are following.”

Hudson Hollister, the executive vice president of the Data Coalition, a group that advocates for the standardized publication of government information, said the EDIT Act is a crucial component in achieving a transparent and complete view of the legislative process.

“Once open data formats are adopted for bills and other legislative materials, citizens will be able to electronically track the consequences of every congressional proposal,” Hollister said. “Open-data bills and regulations will bring greater transparency for citizens and journalists and more efficient work practices for Congress.”

In an age of limitless information and technology, Stefanik said the tools should be used to provide the American public with more open and transparent access to work in Congress.