What is FOIA?

• FOIA is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government.
• Often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. 
• Under the FOIA, agencies must disclose any information that is requested – unless that information is protected from public disclosure. 
• The FOIA also requires that agencies automatically disclose certain information, including frequently requested records. 
• As Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court have all recognized, the FOIA is a vital part of our democracy.