What is a FOIA Request?
The
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) law allows any
person the right to access records from federal
agencies, although there are
nine exemptions to what information can be provided.
The law was enacted in 1966 and strengthened in 1974
following the Watergate scandal. In 1986
Congress amended the law again to address the fees
charged for FOIA requests and stated that part of the
reason for establishing fee waivers was to prevent
federal agencies from withholding information because it
was embarrassing to the agency.
The
OPEN Government Act of 2007 made some changes in
FIOA. It defined and clarified who is a member of the
News Media. It provided for recovery of attorney fees
and litigation costs and set time limits for the
agencies to work within.
The Obama administration
directed agencies to apply a presumption of openness in
responding to FOIA requests and work in a spirit of
cooperation with FOIA requesters. This was addressed
this in their
FOIA Guidelines.
The US Office of Special
Counsel has developed a
FOIA Handbook.
Department of Justice's
An Overview of the Freedom of Information Act
Procedural Requirements offers a good
explanation of the legal requirements agencies need to
follow under FOIA.
How to File a FOIA Request
Office of Government Information Services FOIA Ombudsman
Having trouble with a FOIA request? The Federal FOIA Ombudsman's office can help you!Muckrock
Muckrock will file and track a FOIA request for you for a small fee.