Because, because, well, George W Bush did it, or something….

WASHINGTON DC – The White House on Tuesday will announce new rules exempting an administrative office from subjection to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows citizens to obtain government documents from federal agencies.

In a Federal Register notice scheduled to publish Tuesday morning, the action to exempt the Office of Administration is listed as a final rule, which means there will be no opportunity for public comment.

The move stems from a lawsuit that began before President Obama took office, but it comes at an odd time – during Sunshine Week, in which government watchdogs promote and push for more transparency.

“From the day he took office, the President committed his Administration to work towards unprecedented openness in government. Over the past six years, Federal agencies have gone to great efforts to make government more transparent and more accessible than ever,” said Brandi Hoffine, a White House spokeswoman.

While much of White House operations are not subject to FOIA laws and regulations – including the president, vice president and immediate advisors – one of its largest offices, the Executive Office of the President, must hand over certain documents when requested.

The Executive Office of the President is headed by the president’s White House chief of staff and includes the Office of Management and Budget and the Council of Economic Advisors. (read more)