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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Matt Jacob 202.408.5565

CREW Urges Support of 'Faster FOIA Act' to Reduce Delays in Processing Records Requests

WASHINGTON

Today, CREW and transparency-advocates wrote to Sens. Patrick Leahy
(D-VT) and John Cornyn (R-TX), the chairman and ranking member of the
Senate Judiciary Committee, expressing support for the proposed Faster
FOIA Act. The Act would establish an advisory commission to examine
delays in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and
recommend reforms to streamline the requesting process. The commission would also study agencies' chronic problem of denying FOIA request fee waivers to entitled requesters.

Delays in processing FOIA requests and the financial hurdles
requesters must navigate are impediments to the efficient
implementation of one of our nation's most important open-government
laws. The Faster FOIA Act would make great strides in strengthening the
FOIA.

Click here to read the groups' letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials -- regardless of party affiliation -- who sacrifice the common good to special interests. CREW advances its mission using a combination of research, litigation and media outreach.