Freedom of Information Request

Answer 1

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The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is to encourage public access to government information and to enable individual citizens to obtain such information without administrative burdens. This law was passed in an effort to overcome restrictive agency interpretations of government regulations which were being used to withhold information from the public. Disclosure of federal agency activities tends to hold government officials accountable and promotes an informed citizenry to serve as a check against corruption. These goals are vital to the functioning of a democratic society.

FOIA requests are relatively simple to prepare and easy to file. These requests usually require modest charges for record searches and document copying. Provisions of the FOIA specifically provide for reduction or waivers of search and duplication costs for journalists, historians, and other academicians. Also, the fees may be waived or reduced for private individuals who can substantiate their claim that the information will significantly contribute to the public's understanding of the operations or activities of the government. The FOIA ensures the public's access to government records, except those records falling within nine legal exemptions. However, the FOIA is NOT intended as a means for private individuals to find out what types of facts or opinions foreign, state, or local law enforcement agencies have collected about private parties.

The FOIA covers the executive branch of the federal government. Generally any executive agency of the federal government that makes decisions and is essentially controlled by the federal government is subject to the FOIA. Government corporations such as Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Postal Service and Amtrak are also subject to the FOIA. However, neither Congress (legislative branch) nor the Courts (judicial branch) are subject to the FOIA. Further, an entity that merely serves as a consultant is not covered by the FOIA. For example, the Library of Congress is not covered by the FOIA because it is part of the legislative branch.

You may want to refer to The United States Government Organization Manual, available at most libraries, to assist you in identifying the appropriate agency to contact. This publication describes the various agency functions and will assist you in locating the agency that may have the information you desire. Also, you may contact the agency's Public Affairs or Freedom of Information office by telephone to discuss the best method to identify the requested material.

Answer 2

A Freedom of Information request is a formal process that allows individuals to obtain information held by government agencies or public authorities. These requests are typically made under specific legislation that mandates transparency and openness in government operations. The requested information can include documents, reports, emails, and other records that are deemed to be of public interest.