Tech

The federal government is likely to receive a record number of FOIA requests again in 2024

COMMENTARY | Integrating AI-powered tools into FOIA processing could be a game changer, reducing backlogs, lowering costs, and improving accuracy.

Tech

FBI is losing track of classified and sensitive data, watchdog finds

The bureau is failing to account for electronic storage media that are marked for destruction at secure facilities.

Management

Senators take another crack at solving over-classification

The bipartisan Classification Reform for Transparency Act would establish a new task force to narrow the criteria for classifying documents and make it harder for agencies to exempt records from automatic declassification.

Oversight

Modernize FOIA to increase its Sunshine effect

COMMENTARY | A modern-day FOIA needs to adopt changes that are uniform and consistent across all the covered agencies, writes a former FOIA officer.

Management

National Archives tees up new rules for UFO records

New legislation mandates a governmentwide repository of records dealing with "unidentified anomalous phenomena."

Tech

VA's health record 'reset' will extend into 2024

There's one deployment of the new, multibillion dollar EHR on the books for next April and officials expect the rollouts to pick up in the summer.

Management

EEOC finalizes electronic filing options for feds

Although the agency that investigates complaints of workplace discrimination has offered the option to file documents and track cases online for years, its regulations now finally endorse the current system.

Oversight

Why Trump’s prosecution for keeping secret documents is lawful, constitutional, precedented, nonpartisan and merited

A former national security staffer, now a scholar of secrecy law, says criticisms of Trump’s federal indictment for hoarding classified documents are unfounded.

Management

Federal agencies are on Threads, here’s what the records agency says about that

“Agencies should assess their business needs and evaluate risks associated with leaving these records in social media,” said NARA’s chief records officer.

Oversight

Records agency to DHS: Look into your watchdog’s use of text messages 

This comes after a hearing two weeks ago that raised concerns among some lawmakers about how the IG uses and retains records of electronic messages. 

Oversight

Days Before Trump Indictment, A Small Office Sounded the Alarm on Handling of Classified Information

The retiring director of the Information Security Oversight Office says he is leaving “with a deep sense of uneasiness;” a report from the office calls for more training of executive branch officials. 

Management

Biden's Archivist Nominee is Confirmed

Colleen Shogan will now lead the National Archives and Records Administration.

Management

Bipartisan Group Looks to Fix ‘Hopelessly Obsolete’ Classification System

Legislation is aimed at reducing over-classification and improving the handling of secrets.

Oversight

This Agency’s Declassification Work Could Be a Model for Others

A new paper, based on consultations with government officials and others, looks at what the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has done in recent years.

Oversight

Empowering a Small Federal Office Could Help Reform the Records Classification System

The office within the National Archives and Records Administration has seen a decline in resources over the years that its former director would like reversed.

Oversight

A Bipartisan Bill Looks to Better Prevent Mishandling of Classified Documents

“This legislation will discourage sloppiness during transition periods, safeguard our national security, and keep Americans safe,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill.

Oversight

Public Trust in Government is Low. A Congressman Wants to Fix That With More White House Transparency. 

Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., reintroduced bills regarding visitor logs and preservation of presidential records. 

Oversight

House Democrats Release a New Citizen's Guide to the Freedom of Information Act

Journalists, educational institutions, nonprofits, private corporations and members of the public make use of the records law.

Management

Biden’s Nominee to Be Archivist Goes to the Full Senate

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nominee on Wednesday after a Republican senator called for the vote to be postponed.