Watch Now: OGIS at 5

In creating the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Congress charged the office with the dual responsibility of mediating disputes regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests between requesters and federal agencies, and providing Congress and the President with recommendations on how to improve agencies compliance with the FOIA. At five years old, OGIS faces challenges and changes.

On October 31, 2014 OpenTheGovernment.org joined with the Newseum Institute and OGIS  to mark the fifth anniversary of the opening of OGIS' doors, and discuss these changes and challenges.

Perspectives from the Administration and Agencies

Panelists: Miriam Nisbet, Founding Director, Office of Government Information Services; Bill Holzerland, Director, Division of Information Disclosure (DID), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH); Moderator: Scott Hodes, Attorney at Law

Perspectives from Congress

Panelists: Krista Boyd, Minority Counsel, House Oversight and Government Reform; Lauren Barlow, Counsel, Senator John Cornyn; April Carson; Majority Counsel, Senate Judiciary Committee; Moderator: Patrice McDermott, Executive Director, OpenTheGovernment.org

Perspectives from FOIA Requesters

Panelists: Brad Heath, Investigative Reporter, USA Today; Nate Jones, FOIA Coordinator, National Security Archive; Moderator: Rick Blum, Coordinator, Sunshine in Government Initiative