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Press Release Published: Jul 30, 2013

Issa Praises Opening of U.S. Code in XML

WASHINGTON – In response to today’s announcement from House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) that the U.S. House of Representatives would make the entire United States Code available for download in extensible markup language or (XML), House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) issued the following statement:

“Opening the entire US Code in bulk XML format is a critical advancement in open government.  By broadening access to public, government data we give civic engineers and developers the ability to create new, innovative ways of sharing this information with the American people.

“The Republican-led House has set a new standard in open government.  From live streaming hearings and making all legislation available for download in XML format, to coming up with innovative new ideas for engaging constituents online, Republicans have worked hard to secure a more open, transparent and engaged Congress.

According to a release from Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor: “The data is compiled, updated, and published by the Office of Law Revision Counsel (OLRC)… The XML version of the U.S. Code will be updated quickly, on an ongoing basis, as new laws are enacted.” 

You can download individual titles – or the full code in bulk – and read supporting documentation here.

On May 22, 2013, the Oversight Committee approved the bipartisan DATA Act, a bill which would make federal spending data publically available and easily accessible.

Click here to learn more about open government projects currently underway in the House.