U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Office of Legal Policy
June 13, 1988
The Speaker
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515Dear Mr. Speaker:
Enclosed is a copy of the Department of Justice's 1987 annual report on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) activities. This report covers the FOIA activities of all Department of Justice organizations. Because in 1987 the Department, as a matter of administrative discretion, processed all requests received under the Privacy Act of 1974 (requests by individuals for access to records relating to themselves) under the FOIA as well as the Privacy Act, the enclosed report covers all access requests regardless of the Act cited by the requester.
Calendar year 1987 costs, which this year totalled $18,351,702, a slight increase over the previous year, are reported at page 20 of the report. This cost table primarily reflects those costs incurred in "processing" access requests. Nonetheless, to the extent that such cost figures are available or can be estimated, certain ancillary costs have been footnoted. Not included at all, however, are significant costs incurred in litigating FOIA issues for the United States Government.
While administration of the FOIA continues to consume considerable agency resources, the Department remains committed to the full and faithful implementation of the Act.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Markman
Assistant Attorney General
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