Bill > S1466

This bill, the Faster FOIA Act of 2011, establishes a Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays to study and identify ways to reduce delays in processing requests submitted to federal agencies under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is a law that gives the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. The Commission will also examine the fairness and efficiency of FOIA administration, review the fee and fee waiver system, investigate the increase in the government's use of FOIA exemptions (reasons for withholding information) in fiscal year 2009 and their impact on delays, and assess whether processing disparities have occurred based on political considerations, ideological viewpoints, or the identity of the requestor, including the involvement of political appointees. The Commission will be composed of 12 members appointed by various congressional leaders, the Attorney General, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Archivist of the United States, and the Comptroller General, with at least one congressional appointee having experience as a FOIA requestor or in related fields. The Archivist of the United States will provide staff and administrative support, and members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for travel expenses. The Commission must submit a report to Congress and the President within one year of enactment, and it will terminate 30 days after submitting this report.