Oversight
The Justice Department Underscores the Need for FOIA ‘Presumption of Openness’
New guidance comes at the start of the annual “Sunshine Week” promoting open government.
Management
Archivist Nominee Pledges to Address a Backlog That Stands in the Way of Veterans Getting Benefits
“Of utmost importance to me” is reducing the pandemic-induced pileup of records requests, Colleen Shogan told lawmakers in her second nomination hearing.
Management
The National Intelligence Director: Over-Classification Undermines Democracy
The ongoing investigations into handling of sensitive documents by former presidents and vice presidents have brought potential problems with the classification system back into the spotlight.
Management
NARA’s Chief Innovator Won Big Last Week
Pamela Wright’s “exceptional executive leadership is invaluable to NARA, our strategic goals, and our mission,” said the acting archivist of the United States.
Tech
Paper-Based Government Forms Cost Federal Agencies $37.8 Billion
A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored the environmental and consumer need for a digital government services modernization.
Oversight
Watchdog Identifies Multiple Security Deficiencies at VA Medical Center in Louisiana
The VA’s Office of Inspector General found “critical and high-risk vulnerabilities on 37% of the devices” at the Louisiana-based medical center.
Workforce
EEOC to Propose Rules Codifying Electronic Filing Options for Feds
Although the agency that investigates complaints of workplace discrimination has offered the option to file documents and track cases electronically for years, its regulations do not specifically endorse the current system.
Oversight
‘Highly Classified’ Documents Recovered from Mar-a-Lago Prompt Lawmaker Calls for Assessment
The House lawmakers requested a briefing for a review and damage assessment.
Oversight
Senate Chairman Presses for Details on Deleted Jan. 6 Texts
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, wants officials to explain what they know about the deletion of texts potentially relevant to ongoing inquiries into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and why seemingly routine records management directives were ignored.
Tech
Text Messages Are Federal Records and Must Be Saved, DoD Orders
After news that Jan. 6 insurrection-related texts were wiped from former Pentagon officials’ phones, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks ordered data on department devices must be retained.
Oversight
New Bill Takes Aim at Veterans Records Backlog
Some of the new bill's provisions had previously been included in the House version of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill.
Management
DOJ’s New FOIA Guidance Promotes Openness
The new guidelines follow bipartisan calls from lawmakers for updates.
Oversight
New Bill Would Increase Transparency of Presidential Records
Legislation was introduced to kick off National Sunshine Week.
Management
Records Transfer from the Trump White House is a Work in Progress
Watchdog groups and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about Trump officials’ records management.
Management
Top House Democrats Call on Agencies to Preserve Records for Transition
They sent letters to over 50 agencies about their statutory duties, despite the president contesting the election.
Management
Justice Department Advises Agencies on Continuing to Meet FOIA Requests During the Pandemic
Watchdogs and journalists have been using FOIA to shed light on the federal government’s coronavirus actions.
Workforce
OPM Abandons Effort to Make It Easier for Feds to Transfer and Re-Enter Government
The agency had already hit key milestones in its employee digital record project.
Oversight
Judge Orders State Department to Begin Producing Ukraine-Related Documents
Order comes in response to an oversight watchdog’s lawsuit.
Management
Justice Department Awards Kavanaugh Team One of Its Highest Honors
Previously, the award has been given to terrorism, human trafficking and other criminal prosecution teams.
Management
National Archives Needs Better Handle on Agency Electronic Records, Says Watchdog
Challenges come from outdated technology, uncertain inventory of agencies.
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