Homeland Security vs. Freedom of Information

The Homeland Defense Bill currently working its way through Congress adds a new exemption to the Freedom of Information Act, protecting the secrecy of information that companies submit voluntarily to the government. Supporters say the exemption makes it easier for companies to share information with the government to assist the "war on terrorism." Critics, like Rep. Janice Schakowsky, say the exemption creates "a loophole big enough to drive any corporation and its secrets through," They say companies will misuse the exemption to hide misdeeds and protect themselves from negligence lawsuits.