This press release from Fox Business News claims that a decision by a magistrate judge has resulted in additonal records released in its FOIA lawsuit against the Department of the Treasury concerning AIG records. Of course AIG was bailed out by the government in 2008 and it is now 2012.
I believe that one of the central tenants of the FOIA, namely for citizens to be able to find out what its government is up to, is in critical condition. While these documents are important, they are more historical now than timely. There must be a better way to quickly adjudicate FOIA disputes and get documents that are releaseable (even through discretionary disclosures-which usually only occur at the latter stages of litigation) made in a more timely manner.
I think the administration would be wise to create a working group of interested parties (requesters, litigators, agency FOIA personnel, and possibly Court personnel) to try to come up with streamlined and cost effective ways to reduce FOIA lawsuits be it through discretionary disclosures, mediation or other measures. I think its worth a shot. Feel free to comment and give your opinion on this issue.
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