GAO notes that FOIA is a critical tool for the public to access federal government information, but that the “growing government-wide request backlog undermines transparency and accountability.” The federal auditor recommended that the DOJ’s Office of Information Policy require that agencies include elements of effective action plans in their backlog reduction plans, including specific goals, performance measures and time frames for implementing actions.
GAO found that by fiscal 2022, the federal FOIA backlog had grown to more than 200,000, continuing a long-term upward trend.
“This growing backlog can hinder government transparency and accountability, and slow individuals’ access to information,” the report stated.
In its own efforts in obtaining public information for the public, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance Foundation (TPAF) has experienced significant delays, waiting more than a year on at least one FOIA request.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that while federal agencies are generally required to process open records requests within 20 working days, the backlog of Freedom of Information Act requests has risen considerably in recent years.
One federal employee told GAO that 90% of the agency’s FOIA resources are dedicated to processing cases in FOIA litigation.
https://issuesinsights.com/2024/09/30/the-growing-foia-backlog-undermines-government-transparency/
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