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| Freedom of Information Act |
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The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted based upon the fundamental principle that an informed citizenry is essential to the democratic process. It is an integral part of openness in government, and is a vital mechanism in the prevention of "secret law." The concept of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is that any person has a right of access to federal agency records, and that federal agency records must be made available to the public unless they are specifically exempt from public release. Originally enacted in 1966, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was amended in 1974, 1976, 1986, and 1996. The 1996 amendment is referred to as the Electronic Freedom of Information Act, or "E-FOIA," Amendment, and requires federal agencies to make records available both electronically and through Public Reading Rooms.
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Last Updated
June 26, 2003 |