The newly-formed Transparency Caucus announced it will hold its inaugural event on Thursday, April 29 at 1pm on Capitol Hill.  The Caucus’ co-chairs, Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Il.) and Darrell Issa (R-Ca.), sent out a “Dear Colleague” letter yesterday that invited Members of Congress and staffers to attend the event, and urged their colleagues to join the Caucus. The formation of the Transparency Caucus marks a major milestone in Congress’ efforts to organize around transparency issues.

First on the event’s agenda is a welcome message from the Caucus Co-Chairs and remarks by Caucus Members. Afterward I will participate in a panel discussion with Scott Amey, General Counsel and Senior Investigator with the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), and Jerry Brito, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

The Dear Colleague letter explained the mission of the Transparency Caucus:

The Caucus will educate the public on the importance of federal government transparency. We will facilitate exchanges between Members and experts and stakeholders from across the political spectrum who have been working to open government through technological innovation. We hope to introduce legislation that requires federal information to be freely accessible, consistently organized, and electronically searchable. And we will monitor the implementation of transparency laws and initiatives – including the Obama Administration’s Open Government Directive – to make sure we reach these goals.

In support the Caucus’ mission of improving governmental transparency, the Sunlight Foundation has created an Advisory Committee on Transparency. More information on the Advisory Committee will be released soon.

Update: The event is open to the public and will take place at in room 2203 in the Rayburn House Office Building. RSVPs should go to Hudson.Hollister(at)mail.house.gov; RSVP from members of the media should go to Stephanie.Genco(at)mail.house.gov.