Washington, DC
The Freedom of Information Act, also
known as the FOIA, was enacted in 1966 and is the primary means by which the
public has access to records in the possession of Executive Branch agencies of
the Federal Government. The FOIA is operated under the premise that the public
has a right to know what the Government is doing, how it is being done, and what
information is being collected. However, to prevent individuals, businesses, and
government from harm resulting from the release of certain information, the FOIA
provides a means by which limited information can be withheld from disclosure.
Transparency and Open Government. Per the direction of White House Memorandum dated 21 January 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard
will continue to operate our FOIA Program under a presumption of disclosure; however, FOIA exemptions still apply. We are awaiting further
guidance from the Attorney General regarding provisions of Executive Order 13392, and will post new information as it becomes available.
The Privacy Act provides safeguards for the protection
of records the Federal Government collects on United States citizens or
lawfully admitted permanent residents.