GAO Finds Ashcroft FOIA Policy Has Impact on Fewer Agencies than Expected

The General Accounting Office released a report indicating that only 31% of federal agencies have decreased their release of information since the issuance of Attorney General Ashcroft's October 2001 memo to agencies requiring a change in freedom of information standards. The agencies indicated that they are aware of current guidance. GAO did not speculate as to why most agencies have not changed their policies. September 16, 2003

• GAO Report "Freedom of Information Act: Agency Views on Changes Resulting from New Administration Policy" [pdf]
• Ashcroft Memo on the Freedom of Information Act
• CDT's Right-to-Know page

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