In six pages this paper examines the Freedom of Information Act in a consideration of the Act itself, the 1996 amendments added to them, and also outlines the procedures involved in information requests along with pertinent fees charged for such information. Three sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: MM12_PGfoia.rtf
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Farce or a Tragedy - or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power which
knowledge gives." - James Madison An informed electorate "must stand ready to sound the alarm when necessary to point out the actions in any pernicious project." - Alexander Hamilton The
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was initially passed by Congress in 1966 (ACLU, 1998). It was amended in 1974 and in 1996 (ACLU, 1998; NIH, nd). The Amendments signed into
law by President Clinton in 1996 made these changes: * Extend from 10 to 20 business days (excluding holidays) the time agencies must respond to requests for information (NIH, nd;
Department of Justice, 1996).). * Require agencies to make reasonable efforts to make records available in formats desired by requesters (NIH, nd; Department of Justice, 1996). * Require agencies
to submit the NIH FOIA Annual Report by fiscal year (NIH, nd; Department of Justice, 1996).). * Require agencies to make the reports available to the public by computer telecommunications
other electronic means (NIH, nd; Department of Justice, 1996).). * Require agencies to list their major information systems, record locator systems, and a reference guide or guide for obtaining information
(NIH, nd; Department of Justice, 1996). * Require agencies to establish electronic reading rooms that include agency policies, staff manuals, opinions made in the adjudication of cases, and an index
of records released by FOIA that are likely to become the subject of subsequent FOIA requests (NIH, nd; Department of Justice, 1996). For reference, the Freedom of Information Act
is codified as 5 U.S.C. ? 552, As Amended By Public Law No. 104-231, 110 Stat. 3048 (Department of Justice, 1996). The Freedom of Information Act offers the opportunity for