# 5 U.S. Code § 552

### ****5 U.S. Code § 552 - Public information; agency rules, opinions, orders, records, and proceedings****

****Full FOIA Statute****[<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s337/BILLS-114s337enr.xml</span>](https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s337/BILLS-114s337enr.xml)

## ****5 U.S. Code §552**** 

[<span style="color: rgb(191, 237, 210);">5 U.S. Code § 552 - Public information; agency rules, opinions, orders</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/552)

****(a)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall make available to the public information as follows:</span>

****(1)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall separately state and currently publish in the Federal Register for the guidance of the public—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">descriptions of its central and field organization and the established places at which, the employees (and in the case of a uniformed service, the members) from whom, and the methods whereby, the public may obtain information, make submittals or requests, or obtain decisions;</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">statements of the general course and method by which its functions are channeled and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available;</span>

****(C)****

[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">rules</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3512060-1277204886&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> of procedure, descriptions of forms available or the places at which forms may be obtained, and instructions as to the scope and contents of all papers, reports, or examinations;</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">substantive </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">rules</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3512060-1277204886&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> of general applicability adopted as authorized by law, and statements of general policy or interpretations of general applicability formulated and adopted by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">; and</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">each amendment, revision, or repeal of the foregoing.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Except to the extent that a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has actual and timely notice of the terms thereof, a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may not in any manner be required to resort to, or be adversely affected by, a matter required to be published in the Federal Register and not so published. For the purpose of this paragraph, matter reasonably available to the class of </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">persons</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> affected thereby is deemed published in the Federal Register when incorporated by reference therein with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register.</span>

****(2)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, in accordance with published</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> rules,</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3512060-1277204886&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall make available for public inspection in an electronic format—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">final opinions, including concurring and dissenting opinions, as well as </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">orders</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, made in the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">adjudication</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-231349275-1277204889&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> of cases;</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">those statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and are not published in the Federal Register;</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public;</span>

****(D)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">copies of all records, regardless of form or format—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">that have been released to any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> under paragraph (3); and</span>

****(ii)****

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">that because of the nature of their subject matter, the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> determines have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records; or</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">that have been requested 3 or more times; and</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a general index of the records referred to under subparagraph (D);</span>

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unless the materials are promptly published and copies offered for sale. For records created on or after November 1, 1996, within one year after such date, each</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall make such records available, including by computer telecommunications or, if computer telecommunications means have not been established by the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency,</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> by other electronic means. To the extent required to prevent a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">may delete identifying details when it makes available or publishes an opinion, statement of policy, interpretation, staff manual, instruction, or copies of records referred to in subparagraph (D). However, in each case the justification for the deletion shall be explained fully in writing, and the extent of such deletion shall be indicated on the portion of the record which is made available or published, unless including that indication would harm an interest protected by the exemption in subsection (b) under which the deletion is made. If technically feasible, the extent of the deletion shall be indicated at the place in the record where the deletion was made. Each</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall also maintain and make available for public inspection in an electronic format current indexes providing identifying information for the public as to any matter issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967, and required by this paragraph to be made available or published. Each</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall promptly publish, quarterly or more frequently, and distribute (by sale or otherwise) copies of each index or supplements thereto unless it determines by</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> order </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">published in the Federal Register that the publication would be unnecessary and impracticable, in which case the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall nonetheless provide copies of such index on request at a cost not to exceed the direct cost of duplication. Each</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall make the index referred to in subparagraph (E) available by computer telecommunications by December 31, 1999. A final</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> order,</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> opinion, statement of policy, interpretation, or staff manual or instruction that affects a member of the public may be relied on, used, or cited as precedent by an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">against a</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> party </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106437350-1277204885&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">other than an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">only if—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">it has been indexed and either made available or published as provided by this paragraph; or</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">party</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106437350-1277204885&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has actual and timely notice of the terms thereof.</span>

****(3)****

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Except with respect to the records made available under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, and except as provided in subparagraph (E), each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, upon any request for records which (i) reasonably describes such records and (ii) is made in accordance with published</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> rules </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3512060-1277204886&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">stating the time, place, fees (if any), and procedures to be followed, shall make the records promptly available to any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In making any record available to a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> under this paragraph, an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">shall provide the record in any form or format requested by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> if the record is readily reproducible by the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in that form or format. Each</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall make reasonable efforts to maintain its records in forms or formats that are reproducible for purposes of this section.</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In responding under this paragraph to a request for records, an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall make reasonable efforts to </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> for the records in electronic form or format, except when such efforts would significantly interfere with the operation of the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency’</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">s automated information system.</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">For purposes of this paragraph, the term “</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">” means to review, manually or by automated means,</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">records for the purpose of locating those records which are responsive to a request.</span>

****(E)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">An </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, or part of an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, that is an element of the intelligence community (as that term is defined in section 3(4) of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">National Security Act of 1947</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/topn/army-navy_unification_act)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> (</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">50 U.S.C. 401a(4)</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/401a#4)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">)) </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">\[1\]</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/552#fn002016)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall not make any record available under this paragraph to—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">any government entity, other than a State, territory, commonwealth, or district of the United States, or any subdivision thereof; or</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a representative of a government entity described in clause (i).</span>

****(4)****

****(A)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">order</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to carry out the provisions of this section, each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment, specifying the schedule of fees applicable to the processing of requests under this section and establishing procedures and guidelines for determining when such fees should be waived or reduced. Such schedule shall conform to the guidelines which shall be promulgated, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment, by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and which shall provide for a uniform schedule of fees for all agencies.</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> regulations shall provide that—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">fees shall be limited to reasonable standard charges for document </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, duplication, and review, when records are requested for commercial use;</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">fees shall be limited to reasonable standard charges for document duplication when records are not sought for commercial use and the request is made by an educational or noncommercial scientific institution, whose purpose is scholarly or scientific research; or a representative of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> media; and</span>

****(III)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">for any request not described in (I) or (II), fees shall be limited to reasonable standard charges for document </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and duplication.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In this clause, the term “a representative of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> media” means any</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> person </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">or entity that gathers information of potential interest to a segment of the public, uses its editorial skills to turn the raw materials into a distinct work, and distributes that work to an audience. In this clause, the term “</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">” means information that is about current events or that would be of current interest to the public. Examples of </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-media entities are television or radio stations broadcasting to the public at large and publishers of periodicals (but only if such entities qualify as disseminators of “</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">”) who make their products available for purchase by or subscription by or free distribution to the general public. These examples are not all-inclusive. Moreover, as methods of </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> delivery evolve (for example, the adoption of the electronic dissemination of newspapers through telecommunications services), such alternative media shall be considered to be </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">-media entities. A freelance journalist shall be regarded as working for a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">news</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3377875-965782594&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that entity, whether or not the journalist is actually employed by the entity. A publication contract would present a solid basis for such an expectation; the Government may also consider the past publication record of the requester in making such a determination.</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Documents shall be furnished without any charge or at a charge reduced below the fees established under clause (ii) if disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.</span>

****(iv)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Fee schedules shall provide for the recovery of only the direct costs of </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, duplication, or review. Review costs shall include only the direct costs incurred during the initial examination of a document for the purposes of determining whether the documents must be disclosed under this section and for the purposes of withholding any portions exempt from disclosure under this section. Review costs may not include any costs incurred in resolving issues of law or policy that may be raised in the course of processing a request under this section. No fee may be charged by any</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">under this section—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">if the costs of routine collection and processing of the fee are likely to equal or exceed the amount of the fee; or</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">for any request described in clause (ii) (II) or (III) of this subparagraph for the first two hours of </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> time or for the first one hundred pages of duplication.</span>

****(v)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">No </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may require advance payment of any fee unless the requester has previously failed to pay fees in a timely fashion, or the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has determined that the fee will exceed $250.</span>

****(vi)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Nothing in this subparagraph shall supersede fees chargeable under a statute specifically providing for setting the level of fees for particular types of records.</span>

****(vii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In any action by a requester regarding the waiver of fees under this section, the court shall determine the matter de novo: Provided, That the court’s review of the matter shall be limited to the record before the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span>

****(viii)****

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Except as provided in subclause (II), an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall not assess any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> fees (or in the case of a requester described under clause (ii)(II) of this subparagraph, duplication fees) under this subparagraph if the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">has failed to comply with any time limit under paragraph (6).</span>

****(II)****

****(aa)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">If an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has determined that </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unusual circumstances</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-941500515-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> apply (as the term is defined in paragraph (6)(B)) and the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">provided a timely written notice to the requester in accordance with paragraph (6)(B), a failure described in subclause (I) is excused for an additional 10 days. If the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">fails to comply with the extended time limit, the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">may not assess any</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> search </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">fees (or in the case of a requester described under clause (ii)(II) of this subparagraph, duplication fees).</span>

****(bb)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">If an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has determined that </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unusual circumstances</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-941500515-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> apply and more than 5,000 pages are necessary to respond to the request, an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">may charge</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> search </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">fees (or in the case of a requester described under clause (ii)(II) of this subparagraph, duplication fees) if the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">has provided a timely written notice to the requester in accordance with paragraph (6)(B) and the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">has discussed with the requester via written mail, electronic mail, or telephone (or made not less than 3 good-faith attempts to do so) how the requester could effectively limit the scope of the request in accordance with paragraph (6)(B)(ii).</span>

****(cc)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">If a court has determined that exceptional circumstances exist (as that term is defined in paragraph (6)(C)), a failure described in subclause (I) shall be excused for the length of time provided by the court </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">order</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">On complaint, the district court of the United States in the district in which the complainant resides, or has his principal place of business, or in which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> records are situated, or in the District of Columbia, has jurisdiction to enjoin the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> from withholding </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> records and to</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> order </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the production of any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> records improperly withheld from the complainant. In such a case the court shall determine the matter de novo, and may examine the contents of such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> records in camera to determine whether such records or any part thereof shall be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in subsection (b) of this section, and the burden is on the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to sustain its action. In addition to any other matters to which a court accords substantial weight, a court shall accord substantial weight to an affidavit of an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> concerning the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">’s determination as to technical feasibility under paragraph (2)(C) and subsection (b) and reproducibility under paragraph (3)(B).</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the defendant shall serve an answer or otherwise plead to any complaint made under this subsection within thirty days after service upon the defendant of the pleading in which such complaint is made, unless the court otherwise directs for good cause shown.</span>

****\[(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Repealed. </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, § 402(2)</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rio/citation/Pub._L._98-620)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, Nov. 8, 1984, </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">98 Stat. 3357</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/rio/citation/98_Stat._3357)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.\]</span>

****(E)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under this section in which the complainant has substantially prevailed.</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">For purposes of this subparagraph, a complainant has substantially prevailed if the complainant has obtained </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">relief</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-934646895-938645758&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> through either—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">a judicial </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">order</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree; or</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, if the complainant’s claim is not insubstantial.</span>

****(F)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Whenever the court </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">orders</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> the production of any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> records improperly withheld from the complainant and assesses against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs, and the court additionally issues a written finding that the circumstances surrounding the withholding raise questions whether </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> personnel acted arbitrarily or capriciously with respect to the withholding, the Special Counsel shall promptly initiate a proceeding to determine whether disciplinary action is warranted against the officer or employee who was primarily responsible for the withholding. The Special Counsel, after investigation and consideration of the evidence submitted, shall submit his findings and recommendations to the administrative authority of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> concerned and shall send copies of the findings and recommendations to the officer or employee or his representative. The administrative authority shall take the corrective action that the Special Counsel recommends.</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Attorney General shall—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">notify the Special Counsel of each civil action described under the first sentence of clause (i); and</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">annually submit a report to Congress on the number of such civil actions in the preceding year.</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Special Counsel shall annually submit a report to Congress on the actions taken by the Special Counsel under clause (i).</span>

****(G)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In the event of noncompliance with the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">order</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> of the court, the district court may punish for contempt the responsible employee, and in the case of a uniformed service, the responsible member.</span>

****(5)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> having more than one member shall maintain and make available for public inspection a record of the final votes of each member in every </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency proceeding</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1736575855-938645759&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span>

****(6)****

****(A)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, upon any request for records made under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection, shall—</span>

****(i)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">determine within 20 days (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the receipt of any such request whether to comply with such request and shall immediately notify the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making such request of—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">such determination and the reasons therefor;</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the right of such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to seek assistance from the FOIA Public Liaison of the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency;</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and</span>

****(III)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in the case of an adverse determination—</span>

****(aa)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the right of such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to appeal to the head of the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency,</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> within a period determined by the head of the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">that is not less than 90 days after the date of such adverse determination; and</span>

****(bb)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the right of such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to seek dispute resolution services from the FOIA Public Liaison of the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">or the Office of Government Information Services; and</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">make a determination with respect to any appeal within twenty days (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the receipt of such appeal. If on appeal the denial of the request for records is in whole or in part upheld, the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall notify the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making such request of the provisions for judicial review of that determination under paragraph (4) of this subsection.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The 20-day period under clause (i) shall commence on the date on which the request is first received by the appropriate component of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, but in any event not later than ten days after the request is first received by any component of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> that is designated in the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">’s regulations under this section to receive requests under this section. The 20-day period shall not be tolled by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> except—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">that the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may make one request to the requester for information and toll the 20-day period while it is awaiting such information that it has reasonably requested from the requester under this section; or</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">if necessary to clarify with the requester issues regarding fee assessment. In either case, the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">’s receipt of the requester’s response to the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">’s request for information or clarification ends the tolling period.</span>

****(B)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unusual circumstances</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-941500515-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> as specified in this subparagraph, the time limits prescribed in either clause (i) or clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) may be extended by written notice to the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> person </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">making such request setting forth the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unusual circumstances</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-941500515-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> for such extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be dispatched. No such notice shall specify a date that would result in an extension for more than ten working days, except as provided in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">With respect to a request for which a written notice under clause (i) extends the time limits prescribed under clause (i) of subparagraph (A), the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall notify the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making the request if the request cannot be processed within the time limit specified in that clause and shall provide the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> an opportunity to limit the scope of the request so that it may be processed within that time limit or an opportunity to arrange with the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">an alternative time frame for processing the request or a modified request. To aid the requester, each</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">shall make available its FOIA Public Liaison, who shall assist in the resolution of any disputes between the requester and the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency,</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and notify the requester of the right of the requester to seek dispute resolution services from the Office of Government Information Services. Refusal by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to reasonably modify the request or arrange such an alternative time frame shall be considered as a factor in determining whether exceptional circumstances exist for purposes of subparagraph (C).</span>

****(iii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">As used in this subparagraph, “</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unusual circumstances</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-941500515-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">” means, but only to the extent reasonably necessary to the proper processing of the particular requests—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the need to </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request;</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the need to </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">search</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-906336856-965782595&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are demanded in a single request; or</span>

****(III)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> having substantial subject-matter interest therein.</span>

****(iv)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment, providing for the aggregation of certain requests by the same requestor, or by a group of requestors acting in concert, if the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> reasonably believes that such requests actually constitute a single request, which would otherwise satisfy the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">unusual circumstances</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-941500515-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> specified in this subparagraph, and the requests involve clearly related matters. Multiple requests involving unrelated matters shall not be aggregated.</span>

****(C)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making a request to any</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">for records under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection shall be deemed to have exhausted his administrative remedies with respect to such request if the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">fails to comply with the applicable time limit provisions of this paragraph. If the Government can show exceptional circumstances exist and that the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">is exercising due diligence in responding to the request, the court may retain jurisdiction and allow the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">additional time to complete its review of the records. Upon any determination by an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">to comply with a request for records, the records shall be made promptly available to such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making such request. Any notification of denial of any request for records under this subsection shall set forth the names and titles or positions of each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> responsible for the denial of such request.</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “exceptional circumstances” does not include a delay that results from a predictable </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> workload of requests under this section, unless the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> demonstrates reasonable progress in reducing its backlog of pending requests.</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Refusal by a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to reasonably modify the scope of a request or arrange an alternative time frame for processing a request (or a modified request) under clause (ii) after being given an opportunity to do so by the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">to whom the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> made the request shall be considered as a factor in determining whether exceptional circumstances exist for purposes of this subparagraph.</span>

****(D)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment, providing for multitrack processing of requests for records based on the amount of work or time (or both) involved in processing requests.</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Regulations under this subparagraph may provide a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making a request that does not qualify for the fastest multitrack processing an opportunity to limit the scope of the request in</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> order </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">to qualify for faster processing.</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This subparagraph shall not be considered to affect the requirement under subparagraph (C) to exercise due diligence.</span>

****(E)****

****(i)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment, providing for expedited processing of requests for records—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">in cases in which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> requesting the records demonstrates a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">compelling need</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-56741046-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">; and</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">in other cases determined by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Notwithstanding clause (i), regulations under this subparagraph must ensure—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">that a determination of whether to provide expedited processing shall be made, and notice of the determination shall be provided to the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making the request, within 10 days after the date of the request; and</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">expeditious consideration of administrative appeals of such determinations of whether to provide expedited processing.</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">An </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall process as soon as practicable any request for records to which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has granted expedited processing under this subparagraph. </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Agency action</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-440128847-938645760&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to deny or affirm denial of a request for expedited processing pursuant to this subparagraph, and failure by an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">to respond in a timely manner to such a request shall be subject to judicial review under paragraph (4), except that the judicial review shall be based on the record before the</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">at the time of the determination.</span>

****(iv)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">A district court of the United States shall not have jurisdiction to review an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> denial of expedited processing of a request for records after the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has provided a complete response to the request.</span>

****(v)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">compelling need</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-56741046-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">” means—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">that a failure to obtain requested records on an expedited basis under this paragraph could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; or</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">with respect to a request made by a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> primarily engaged in disseminating information, urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity.</span>

****(vi)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">A demonstration of a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">compelling need</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-56741046-965782592&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> by a</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> person </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">making a request for expedited processing shall be made by a statement certified by such</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> person </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">to be true and correct to the best of such</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> person’</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">s knowledge and belief.</span>

****(F)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">In denying a request for records, in whole or in part, an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall make a reasonable effort to estimate the volume of any requested matter the provision of which is denied, and shall provide any such estimate to the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making the request, unless providing such estimate would harm an interest protected by the exemption in subsection (b) pursuant to which the denial is made.</span>

****(7)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">establish a system to assign an individualized tracking number for each request received that will take longer than ten days to process and provide to each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making a request the tracking number assigned to the request; and</span>

****(B)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">establish a telephone line or Internet service that provides information about the status of a request to the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making the request using the assigned tracking number, including—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the date on which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> originally received the request; and</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">an estimated date on which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> will complete action on the request.</span>

****(8)****

****(A)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">An </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall—</span>

****(i)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">withhold information under this section only if—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an interest protected by an exemption described in subsection (b); or</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">disclosure is prohibited by law; and</span>

****(ii)****

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">consider whether partial disclosure of information is possible whenever the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> determines that a full disclosure of a requested record is not possible; and</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">take reasonable steps necessary to segregate and release nonexempt information; and</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Nothing in this paragraph requires disclosure of information that is otherwise prohibited from disclosure by law, or otherwise exempted from disclosure under subsection (b)(3).</span>

****(b)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This section does not apply to matters that are—</span>

****(1)****

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">order</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and (B) are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">order</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106006350-1277204888&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">;</span>

****(2)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">related solely to the internal personnel </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">rules</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-3512060-1277204886&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and practices of an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">;</span>

****(3)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">section 552b of this title</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/552b)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">), if that statute—</span>

****(A)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue; or</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld; and</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">if enacted after the date of enactment of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">OPEN FOIA Act of 2009</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/topn/open_foia_act_of_2009)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, specifically cites to this paragraph.</span>

****(4)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and privileged or confidential;</span>

****(5)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">inter-</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> or intra-</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> memorandums or letters that would not be available by law to a</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> party </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106437350-1277204885&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">other than an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> in litigation with the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, provided that the deliberative process privilege shall not apply to records created 25 years or more before the date on which the records were requested;</span>

****(6)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;</span>

****(7)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information (A) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, (B) would deprive a </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> of a right to a fair trial or an impartial </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">adjudication</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-231349275-1277204889&term_occur=999&term_src=title:5:part:I:chapter:5:subchapter:II:section:552)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, (C) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, (D) could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of a record or information compiled by criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation or by an</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, (E) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or (F) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual;</span>

****(8)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or</span>

****(9)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Any reasonably segregable portion of a record shall be provided to any </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">person</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> requesting such record after deletion of the portions which are exempt under this subsection. The amount of information deleted, and the exemption under which the deletion is made, shall be indicated on the released portion of the record, unless including that indication would harm an interest protected by the exemption in this subsection under which the deletion is made. If technically feasible, the amount of the information deleted, and the exemption under which the deletion is made, shall be indicated at the place in the record where such deletion is made.</span>

****(c)****

****(1)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Whenever a request is made which involves access to records described in subsection (b)(7)(A) and—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the investigation or proceeding involves a possible violation of criminal law; and</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">there is reason to believe that (i) the subject of the investigation or proceeding is not aware of its pendency, and (ii) disclosure of the existence of the records could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings,</span>

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may, during only such time as that circumstance continues, treat the records as not subject to the requirements of this section.</span>

****(2)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Whenever informant records maintained by a criminal law enforcement </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> under an informant’s name or personal identifier are requested by a third</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> party </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106437350-1277204885&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">according to the informant’s name or personal identifier, the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> may treat the records as not subject to the requirements of this section unless the informant’s status as an informant has been officially confirmed.</span>

****(3)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Whenever a request is made which involves access to records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation pertaining to foreign intelligence or counterintelligence, or international terrorism, and the existence of the records is classified information as provided in subsection (b)(1), the Bureau may, as long as the existence of the records remains classified information, treat the records as not subject to the requirements of this section.</span>

****(d)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This section does not authorize withholding of information or limit the availability of records to the public, except as specifically stated in this section. This section is not authority to withhold information from Congress.</span>

****(e)****

****(1)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">On or before February 1 of each year, each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall submit to the Attorney General of the United States and to the Director of the Office of Government Information Services a report which shall cover the preceding fiscal year and which shall include—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of determinations made by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> not to comply with requests for records made to such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> under subsection (a) and the reasons for each such determination;</span>

****(B)****

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of appeals made by </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">persons</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> under subsection (a)(6), the result of such appeals, and the reason for the action upon each appeal that results in a denial of information; and</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">a complete list of all statutes that the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> relies upon to authorize the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to withhold information under subsection (b)(3), the number of occasions on which each statute was relied upon, a description of whether a court has upheld the decision of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to withhold information under each such statute, and a concise description of the scope of any information withheld;</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of requests for records pending before the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> as of September 30 of the preceding year, and the median and average number of days that such requests had been pending before the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> as of that date;</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of requests for records received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the number of requests which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> processed;</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the median number of days taken by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to process different types of requests, based on the date on which the requests were received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">;</span>

****(F)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the average number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to respond to a request beginning on the date on which the request was received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, the median number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to respond to such requests, and the range in number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to respond to such requests;</span>

****(G)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">based on the number of business days that have elapsed since each request was originally received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of requests for records to which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has responded with a determination within a period up to and including 20 days, and in 20-day increments up to and including 200 days;</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of requests for records to which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has responded with a determination within a period greater than 200 days and less than 301 days;</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of requests for records to which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has responded with a determination within a period greater than 300 days and less than 401 days; and</span>

****(iv)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of requests for records to which the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> has responded with a determination within a period greater than 400 days;</span>

****(H)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the average number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to provide the granted information beginning on the date on which the request was originally filed, the median number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to provide the granted information, and the range in number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to provide the granted information;</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the median and average number of days for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to respond to administrative appeals based on the date on which the appeals originally were received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, the highest number of business days taken by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to respond to an administrative appeal, and the lowest number of business days taken by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to respond to an administrative appeal;</span>

****(J)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">data on the 10 active requests with the earliest filing dates pending at each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, including the amount of time that has elapsed since each request was originally received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">;</span>

****(K)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">data on the 10 active administrative appeals with the earliest filing dates pending before the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> as of September 30 of the preceding year, including the number of business days that have elapsed since the requests were originally received by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">;</span>

****(L)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the number of expedited review requests that are granted and denied, the average and median number of days for adjudicating expedited review requests, and the number adjudicated within the required 10 days;</span>

****(M)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the number of fee waiver requests that are granted and denied, and the average and median number of days for adjudicating fee waiver determinations;</span>

****(N)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the total amount of fees collected by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> for processing requests;</span>

****(O)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of full-time staff of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> devoted to processing requests for records under this section, and the total amount expended by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> for processing such requests;</span>

****(P)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of times the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> denied a request for records under subsection (c); and</span>

****(Q)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the number of records that were made available for public inspection in an electronic format under subsection (a)(2).</span>

****(2)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Information in each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be expressed in terms of each principal component of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and for the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> overall.</span>

****(3)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall make each such report available for public inspection in an electronic format. In addition, each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall make the raw statistical data used in each report available in a timely manner for public inspection in an electronic format, which shall be made available—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">without charge, </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">license</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-166757441-1277204890&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, or registration requirement;</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in an aggregated, searchable format; and</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in a format that may be downloaded in bulk.</span>

****(4)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Attorney General of the United States shall make each report which has been made available by electronic means available at a single electronic access point. The Attorney General of the United States shall notify the Chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Chairman and ranking minority member of the Committees on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Judiciary of the Senate, no later than March 1 of the year in which each such report is issued, that such reports are available by electronic means.</span>

****(5)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Attorney General of the United States, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall develop reporting and performance guidelines in connection with reports required by this subsection by October 1, 1997, and may establish additional requirements for such reports as the Attorney General determines may be useful.</span>

****(6)****

****(A)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Attorney General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and the President a report on or before March 1 of each calendar year, which shall include for the prior calendar year—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a listing of the number of cases arising under this section;</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a listing of—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">each subsection, and any exemption, if applicable, involved in each case arising under this section;</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the disposition of each case arising under this section; and</span>

****(III)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the cost, fees, and penalties assessed under subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of subsection (a)(4); and</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a description of the efforts undertaken by the Department of Justice to encourage</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">compliance with this section.</span>

****(B)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Attorney General of the United States shall make—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">each report submitted under subparagraph (A) available for public inspection in an electronic format; and</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the raw statistical data used in each report submitted under subparagraph (A) available for public inspection in an electronic format, which shall be made available—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">without charge, </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">license</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-166757441-1277204890&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, or registration requirement;</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in an aggregated, searchable format; and</span>

****(III)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">in a format that may be downloaded in bulk.</span>

****(f)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">For purposes of this section, the term—</span>

****(1)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">“</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">” as defined in </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">section 551(1) of this title</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/551#1)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> includes any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of the Government (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency;</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and</span>

****(2)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">“record” and any other term used in this section in reference to information includes—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">any information that would be an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> record subject to the requirements of this section when maintained by an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> in any format, including an electronic format; and</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">any information described under subparagraph (A) that is maintained for an </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> by an entity under Government contract, for the purposes of records management.</span>

****(g)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The head of each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall prepare and make available for public inspection in an electronic format, reference material or a guide for requesting records or information from the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, subject to the exemptions in subsection (b), including—</span>

****(1)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">an index of all major information systems of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">;</span>

****(2)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">a description of major information and record locator systems maintained by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">; and</span>

****(3)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">a handbook for obtaining various types and categories of public information from the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> pursuant to chapter 35 of title 44, and under this section.</span>

****(h)****

****(1)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">There is established the Office of Government Information Services within the National Archives and Records Administration. The head of the Office shall be the Director of the Office of Government Information Services.</span>

****(2)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Office of Government Information Services shall—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">review policies and procedures of administrative agencies under this section;</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">review compliance with this section by administrative agencies; and</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">identify procedures and methods for improving compliance under this section.</span>

****(3)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The Office of Government Information Services shall offer mediation services to resolve disputes between </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">persons</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> making requests under this section and administrative agencies as a nonexclusive alternative to litigation and may issue advisory opinions at the discretion of the Office or upon request of any</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> party </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-106437350-1277204885&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">to a dispute.</span>

****(4)****

****(A)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Not less frequently than annually, the Director of the Office of Government Information Services shall submit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and the President—</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a report on the findings of the information reviewed and identified under paragraph (2);</span>

****(ii)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">a summary of the activities of the Office of Government Information Services under paragraph (3), including—</span>

****(I)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">any advisory opinions issued; and</span>

****(II)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of times each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> engaged in dispute resolution with the assistance of the Office of Government Information Services or the FOIA Public Liaison; and</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">legislative and regulatory recommendations, if any, to improve the administration of this section.</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Director of the Office of Government Information Services shall make each report submitted under subparagraph (A) available for public inspection in an electronic format.</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The Director of the Office of Government Information Services shall not be required to obtain the prior approval, comment, or review of any officer or </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> of the United States, including the Department of Justice, the Archivist of the United States, or the Office of Management and Budget before submitting to Congress, or any committee or subcommittee thereof, any reports, recommendations, testimony, or comments, if such submissions include a statement indicating that the views expressed therein are those of the Director and do not necessarily represent the views of the President.</span>

****(5)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Director of the Office of Government Information Services may directly submit additional information to Congress and the President as the Director determines to be appropriate.</span>

****(6)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Not less frequently than annually, the Office of Government Information Services shall conduct a meeting that is open to the public on the review and reports by the Office and shall allow interested </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">persons</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to appear and present oral or written statements at the meeting.</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Government Accountability Office shall conduct audits of administrative agencies on the implementation of this section and issue reports detailing the results of such audits.</span>

****(j)****

****(1)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall designate a Chief FOIA Officer who shall be a senior official of such </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> (at the Assistant Secretary or equivalent level).</span>

****(2)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The Chief FOIA Officer of each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall, subject to the authority of the head of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">—</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">have </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-wide responsibility for efficient and appropriate compliance with this section;</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">monitor implementation of this section throughout the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> and keep the head of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, the chief legal officer of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, and the Attorney General appropriately informed of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">’s performance in implementing this section;</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">recommend to the head of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> such adjustments to </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> practices, policies, personnel, and funding as may be necessary to improve its implementation of this section;</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">review and report to the Attorney General, through the head of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">, at such times and in such formats as the Attorney General may direct, on the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">’s performance in implementing this section;</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">facilitate public understanding of the purposes of the statutory exemptions of this section by including concise descriptions of the exemptions in both the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">’s handbook issued under subsection (g), and the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">’s annual report on this section, and by providing an overview, where appropriate, of certain general categories of </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> records to which those exemptions apply;</span>

****(F)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">offer training to </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> staff regarding their responsibilities under this section;</span>

****(G)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">serve as the primary </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> liaison with the Office of Government Information Services and the Office of Information Policy; and</span>

****(H)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">designate 1 or more FOIA Public Liaisons.</span>

****(3)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The Chief FOIA Officer of each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> shall review, not less frequently than annually, all aspects of the administration of this section by the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section, including—</span>

****(A)****

[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> regulations;</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">disclosure of records required under paragraphs (2) and (8) of subsection (a);</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">assessment of fees and determination of eligibility for fee waivers;</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the timely processing of requests for information under this section;</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">the use of exemptions under subsection (b); and</span>

****(F)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">dispute resolution services with the assistance of the Office of Government Information Services or the FOIA Public Liaison.</span>

****(k)****

****(1)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">There is established in the executive branch the Chief FOIA Officers Council (referred to in this subsection as the “Council”).</span>

****(2)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Council shall be comprised of the following members:</span>

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget.</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Director of the Office of Information Policy at the Department of Justice.</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Director of the Office of Government Information Services.</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">The Chief FOIA Officer of each </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Any other officer or employee of the United States as designated by the Co-Chairs.</span>

****(3)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Director of the Office of Information Policy at the Department of Justice and the Director of the Office of Government Information Services shall be the Co-Chairs of the Council.</span>

****(4)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Administrator of General Services shall provide administrative and other support for the Council.</span>

****(5)****

****(A)****<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The duties of the Council shall include the following:</span>

****(i)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Develop recommendations for increasing compliance and efficiency under this section.</span>

****(ii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Disseminate information about </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> experiences, ideas, best practices, and innovative approaches related to this section.</span>

****(iii)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Identify, develop, and coordinate initiatives to increase transparency and compliance with this section.</span>

****(iv)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Promote the development and use of common performance measures for </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> compliance with this section.</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In performing the duties described in subparagraph (A), the Council shall consult on a regular basis with members of the public who make requests under this section.</span>

****(6)****

****(A)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Council shall meet regularly and such meetings shall be open to the public unless the Council determines to close the meeting for reasons of national security or to discuss information exempt under subsection (b).</span>

****(B)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Not less frequently than annually, the Council shall hold a meeting that shall be open to the public and permit interested </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">persons</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to appear and present oral and written statements to the Council.</span>

****(C)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Not later than 10 business days before a meeting of the Council, notice of such meeting shall be published in the Federal Register.</span>

****(D)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Except as provided in subsection (b), the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, appendices, working papers, drafts, studies, agenda, or other documents that were made available to or prepared for or by the Council shall be made publicly available.</span>

****(E)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">Detailed minutes of each meeting of the Council shall be kept and shall contain a record of the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">persons</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-991716523-1277204884&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> present, a complete and accurate description of matters discussed and conclusions reached, and copies of all reports received, issued, or approved by the Council. The minutes shall be redacted as necessary and made publicly available.</span>

****(l)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">FOIA Public Liaisons shall report to the </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> Chief FOIA Officer and shall serve as supervisory officials to whom a requester under this section can raise concerns about the service the requester has received from the FOIA Requester Center, following an initial response from the FOIA Requester Center Staff. FOIA Public Liaisons shall be responsible for assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests, and assisting in the resolution of disputes.</span>

****(m)****

****(1)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall ensure the operation of a consolidated online request portal that allows a member of the public to submit a request for records under subsection (a) to any</span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> agency </span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">from a single website. The portal may include any additional tools the Director of the Office of Management and Budget finds will improve the implementation of this section.</span>

****(2)****

<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;">This subsection shall not be construed to alter the power of any other </span>[<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">agency</span>](https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/uscode.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=5-USC-1419699195-1277204883&term_occur=999&term_src=)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); white-space: pre-wrap;"> to create or maintain an independent online portal for the submission of a request for records under this section. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall establish standards for interoperability between the portal required under paragraph (1) and other request processing software used by agencies subject to this section.</span>