Welcome Remarks for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee

Hello. I’m Debra Steidel Wall, Acting Archivist of the United States, and it is my pleasure to welcome you all to the ninth meeting of the fourth term of the FOIA Advisory Committee.

As many of you on the Committee and in our virtual audience know, now retired Archivist David  Ferriero established this Advisory Committee eight years ago as part of the U.S. Open Government National Action Plan. The Committee’s work to improve the FOIA process government-wide is part of the rich legacy David leaves as he goes off on a well-deserved retirement.  

David was an unparalleled champion for openness, and as his Deputy Archivist since 2011, I joined him in his steadfast support of the Committee’s work during its four terms. 

The National Archives’ mission won’t change with David’s retirement. Our commitment to Making Access Happen will continue because the work we do each day here at the National Archives is vital to a well-functioning and vibrant democracy whether it touches on the Federal Records Act, the Presidential Records Act, or the Freedom of Information Act.  

I’m thrilled to report that last Thursday David signed the Charter for a fifth term of the FOIA Advisory Committee. Later this spring, the Office of Government Information Services will begin seeking nominations for the new term. I look forward to working with OGIS as I appoint —and in somes cases, possibly reappoint—members to the term that kicks off with its first meeting after Labor Day. 

The work that this Committee does is important and makes a real difference in the cause of openness. I thank all of the Committee members, the talented OGIS staff, and all of you here today who share in that mission.

Thank you, and over to you Alina.