Upcoming: House Transparency Caucus

Some members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are expected next week to announce the formation of a bipartisan congressional transparency caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the panel's ranking member, and Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill.

The caucus will pursue a legislative agenda focused on free, online access to all government information, Issa aides said. The group also plans to conduct oversight of disclosures and educate lawmakers and citizens.

Specifically, legislative efforts will include mandating the release of data formats that any computer application can read and share with other apps and ensuring that bulk-downloadable documents are posted on permanent Web sites. The caucus also wants data-driven transparency incorporated into rulemaking, federal spending and agency performance.