Members of the public, including foreign citizens, military and civilian
personnel acting as private citizens, organizations and businesses, and
individual members of the Congress for themselves or constituents, may request
records in writing. It is important to remember that the Freedom of Information
Act applies only to federal agencies. It does not create a right of access to
records held by Congress, the courts, state or local government agencies, or by
private businesses or individuals. Each state has its own public access laws
that should be consulted for access to state and local records.