The next meeting of the 2020-2022 term of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee is on Thursday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. This virtual meeting is open to the public and registration is required for those wishing to make oral public comments. Please register here by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, to receive an email with instructions for accessing the meeting via WebEx. We also will livestream the meeting on the National Archives and Records Administration’s YouTube channel (with a slight transmission delay). We will monitor the chat function via WebEx and YouTube.
The Committee will hear reports and consider any recommendations from the four subcommittees: Classification, Legislation, Process and Technology. All meeting materials, including the agenda, will be posted on the FOIA Advisory Committee website.
Members of the public attending the meeting via WebEx may comment via the telephone during the last 15 minutes of the meeting. You are also welcome to submit written comments at any time.
Some facts about Alina Semo and Carrie Mcguire of OGIS/NARA. In a process that is supposed to be neutral, Alina Semo allowed FDA and HHS to review and make changes to official OGIS communication prior to it being sent to me, the other party in a dispute. I found this out after being confused at why OGIS communication seemed to directly mirror FDA communication to me. I filed FOIA requests, was told by NARA it would be 2+ years for me to receive those records. I then attempted to resolve the matter outside of litigation, only for NARA/OGIS not to resolve the matter with me outside of litigation. I then sued and forced them to provide me the records. Seeing how OGIS provides government resources and communication opportunities that is not provided to the requestor brings the “neutral” and “objective” claim into serious question. Allowing one party in a dispute the ability to review official OGIS letters, and make changes to that communication, is not a fair or neutral process. OGIS also provided HHS and FDA with many phone call and webex meetings regarding my case over a 2 year period, yet OGIS did not provide me with the same opportunity to discuss matters and my side by webex or phone. I have asked an estimated 12 times over two years to have discussions the same opportunity offered to the other party in the dispute. After FDA stated they’re willing to engage in mediation over the phone with me, OGIS has never moved forward with planning and executing the mediation process. This has happened several times when I have attempted to engage in mediation disputes prior to being forced to litigate.