Records Management

Archivist Nominee Pledges to Address a Backlog That Stands in the Way of Veterans Getting Benefits

“Of utmost importance to me” is reducing the pandemic-induced pileup of records requests, Colleen Shogan told lawmakers in her second nomination hearing. 

The National Intelligence Director: Over-Classification Undermines Democracy

The ongoing investigations into handling of sensitive documents by former presidents and vice presidents have brought potential problems with the classification system back into the spotlight. 

NARA’s Chief Innovator Won Big Last Week

Pamela Wright’s “exceptional executive leadership is invaluable to NARA, our strategic goals, and our mission,” said the acting archivist of the United States.

Paper-Based Government Forms Cost Federal Agencies $37.8 Billion

A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored the environmental and consumer need for a digital government services modernization.

Watchdog Identifies Multiple Security Deficiencies at VA Medical Center in Louisiana

The VA’s Office of Inspector General found “critical and high-risk vulnerabilities on 37% of the devices” at the Louisiana-based medical center.

EEOC to Propose Rules Codifying Electronic Filing Options for Feds

Although the agency that investigates complaints of workplace discrimination has offered the option to file documents and track cases electronically for years, its regulations do not specifically endorse the current system.

Senate Chairman Presses for Details on Deleted Jan. 6 Texts

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, wants officials to explain what they know about the deletion of texts potentially relevant to ongoing inquiries into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and why seemingly routine records management directives were ignored.

Text Messages Are Federal Records and Must Be Saved, DoD Orders

After news that Jan. 6 insurrection-related texts were wiped from former Pentagon officials’ phones, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks ordered data on department devices must be retained. 

New Bill Takes Aim at Veterans Records Backlog

Some of the new bill's provisions had previously been included in the House version of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill.

DOJ’s New FOIA Guidance Promotes Openness

The new guidelines follow bipartisan calls from lawmakers for updates.

Records Transfer from the Trump White House is a Work in Progress

Watchdog groups and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about Trump officials’ records management. 

Top House Democrats Call on Agencies to Preserve Records for Transition 

They sent letters to over 50 agencies about their statutory duties, despite the president contesting the election. 

Justice Department Advises Agencies on Continuing to Meet FOIA Requests During the Pandemic

Watchdogs and journalists have been using FOIA to shed light on the federal government’s coronavirus actions.