Research ReportCRS ReportVersion 12
R41933
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Background, Legislation, and Policy Issues
Published Aug 14, 2015Updated May 13, 2026
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What this is
The Congressional Research Service is a nonpartisan policy and legal analysis arm of the Library of Congress. CRS reports are written for members of Congress and their staff, not the public — but they’re made available openly through Congress.gov.