Reading Room Document

Furnishing Information to Congress Under Section 222(f) of the Interstate Commerce Act

This document is a memorandum opinion addressing whether employees of the Interstate Commerce Commission can provide documents or information to a member of the staff of the Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary without fear of criminal liability. The conclusion reached is that, subject to certain conditions, employees of the Commission may lawfully furnish information protected by the Act. The document also presents questions for review, including whether the exception provided in the Act applies to the prohibition against the release of any fact or information, and whether a subcommittee investigator or attorney is considered an officer or agent of the Government of the United States. Additionally, it discusses the limitations on access to information protected by the Act and the factors that determine whether officials acting on behalf of Congress are exercising their power within the proper limits of their authority.

June 16, 1978