Answer COVID FOIAs Now Act

Answer COVID FOIAs Now Act

This bill addresses pending Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to COVID-19.

Specifically, the bill requires each federal agency, within 100 calendar days, to complete all pending FOIA requests related to a drug or medical device to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, or treat COVID-19; gain-of-function or potential pandemic pathogen research; or a policy, rule, or standard requiring COVID-19 vaccination of individuals.

For each calendar day on which any applicable FOIA request remains pending, the Department of the Treasury must transfer $1 million from the appropriations account of the office of the head of the agency to the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program of the Health Resources and Services Administration.

A person submitting such a request shall be deemed to have demonstrated a compelling need for expedited processing.

Bill 117 HR 6321, also known as the Answer COVID FOIAs Now Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of delays in responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill aims to ensure that federal agencies prioritize and expedite the processing of FOIA requests that pertain to the government's response to the COVID-19 crisis. This includes requests for information on testing, treatment, vaccines, and other important aspects of the pandemic.

The Answer COVID FOIAs Now Act requires federal agencies to designate specific personnel to handle COVID-19 related FOIA requests and to provide regular updates on the status of these requests. It also establishes deadlines for agencies to respond to such requests in a timely manner. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve transparency and accountability in the government's handling of COVID-19 related information. This includes requirements for agencies to proactively disclose certain information related to the pandemic and to make this information easily accessible to the public. Overall, the Answer COVID FOIAs Now Act seeks to ensure that the public has timely access to important information about the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By streamlining the FOIA process and promoting transparency, this bill aims to enhance public trust and accountability in the government's actions during this crisis.