U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Office of Legal Policy
July 1, 1986
The Speaker
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515Dear Mr. Speaker:
Enclosed is a copy of the Department of Justice's 1985 annual report on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) activities. This report covers the FOIA activities of all Department of Justice organizations. Because in 1985 the Department, as a matter of administrative discretion, processed virtually 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 under the Privacy Act, the enclosed report covers all access requests regardless of the Act cited by the requester.
Calendar year 1985 costs, which this year totalled $18,625,979, 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 to the Department 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. At the same time, however, we will continue our efforts to obtain FOIA amendments which we believe to be necessary to reduce the burden on the entire executive branch.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Markman
Assistant Attorney General
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