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The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Research Center

FOIA Overview

Photo of folders in a vertical file cabinet The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) establishes a presumption that records in the possession of agencies and departments of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government are available to the public. The FOIA sets standards for determining when Government records must be made available and which records may be withheld. The FOIA also gives requesters specific legal rights and provides administrative and judicial remedies when access to records or portions of records is denied. The FOIA statute requires that Federal agencies provide access to and disclosure of information pertaining to the Government's business to the fullest extent possible.

The text of the Act may be viewed by accessing the U.S. Department of Justice FOIA web site.

Additional FOIA Resources

Department of Homeland Security FOIA
United States Coast Guard FOIA
United States Secret Service FOIA

Government Information Locator Service

TSA Contact Center
E-mail – TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov

Headquarters Office

FOIA Headquarters Office:
Main Number 571-227-2300 or 866-364-2872 (866- FOIA-TSA)

Mail (U.S.Postal System and all overnight mail/Fedex):
Transportation Security Administration
Freedom of Information Act Office, TSA-20
11th Floor, East Tower
601 South 12th Street
Arlington, VA 22202-4220

Headquarters Staff