United States Congress extends secrecy deadlines on federal records requests

U.S. Congress quietly extends secrecy deadlines on federal records requests

In late January 2026, congressional committees approved procedural measures allowing federal agencies to extend response timelines for records requests under the Freedom of Information Act and related transparency laws. The changes were implemented through internal congressional approvals and did not involve a standalone floor vote.

The extensions permit agencies to delay disclosure deadlines for records requests deemed complex, voluminous, or involving interagency consultation. Lawmakers involved in the process stated the measures were intended to address backlogs that expanded significantly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from federal oversight bodies show that several departments, including the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Defense, continue to carry large numbers of unresolved records requests, some dating back multiple years.

Transparency advocates raised concerns that the extensions could further limit public access to government records, while congressional staff emphasized that the measures operate within existing statutory authority and do not permanently exempt documents from disclosure.