Some editing is acceptable, and possibly even necessary. This would be the case in allowing the IMF to strike passages compromising national security or releasing proprietary information. This stipulation is far too broad. It could be used as an excuse to censor information Congress needs to do its job. Moreover, this provision works against free markets.
Markets work best when there is a free flow of information.
Freedom of information is necessary for investors, consumers, and even governments to judge effectively the risks and returns on alternative investments and decisions. Congress should demonstrate its commitment to protecting the interests of its constituents and promoting economic stability and healthy markets. It can do this by demanding that the IMF adopt stringent and ongoing reforms, such as those outlined in the IMF Transparency and Efficiency Act of 1998, in return for any funding. Brett D. Schaefer is Jay Kingham Fellow in International Regulatory Affairs at The Heritage Foundation. It meets periodically to coordinate economic policies, discuss treaties or agreements, and issue policy statements.