Letter, signed by NFOIC, calls for oversight hearing on agency compliance with FOIA

The National Freedom of Information Coalition joined more than two dozen organizations in calling for a hearing on federal agency compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.

An April 7, 2021, letter to leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee said a hearing was necessary to understand FOIA implementation by the Trump Administration and to seek commitments from Biden Administration officials to comply with the law.

“We strongly encourage the Committee to include testimony from voices outside government, in order to obtain the crucial perspective of members of the public who use FOIA often,” the letter says. “It is vital that the Committee hear from those affected by months or even years-long delays at agencies. In addition, we recommend the Committee evaluate how agencies are implementing FOIA and explore the longstanding and worsening barriers to compliance.”