Oversight
Empowering a Small Federal Office Could Help Reform the Records Classification System
The office within the National Archives and Records Administration has seen a decline in resources over the years that its former director would like reversed.
Oversight
A Bipartisan Bill Looks to Better Prevent Mishandling of Classified Documents
“This legislation will discourage sloppiness during transition periods, safeguard our national security, and keep Americans safe,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill.
Oversight
Public Trust in Government is Low. A Congressman Wants to Fix That With More White House Transparency.
Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., reintroduced bills regarding visitor logs and preservation of presidential records.
Oversight
House Democrats Release a New Citizen's Guide to the Freedom of Information Act
Journalists, educational institutions, nonprofits, private corporations and members of the public make use of the records law.
Management
Biden’s Nominee to Be Archivist Goes to the Full Senate
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nominee on Wednesday after a Republican senator called for the vote to be postponed.
Oversight
The Justice Department Underscores the Need for FOIA ‘Presumption of Openness’
New guidance comes at the start of the annual “Sunshine Week” promoting open government.
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.
Management
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.
Employee Policy
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.
Management
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.
Employee Policy
Paper-based government forms cost federal agencies $37.8B
A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored the environmental and consumer need for a digital government services modernization.
Tech
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.
Employee Policy
National Archives plans customer service research
NARA says that a new research agenda will help it understand what people who use the archives need, want and expect—and how the agency can meet those demands.
Oversight
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.
Workforce
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.
Employee Policy
Lawmakers ask NARA to certify whether Trump returned all presidential records
A Congressional committee expressed concern that former President Donald Trump may still possess presidential records at non-secure locations.
Oversight
‘Highly Classified’ Documents Recovered from Mar-a-Lago Prompt Lawmaker Calls for Assessment
The House lawmakers requested a briefing for a review and damage assessment.
Oversight
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.
Employee Policy
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.
Tech