PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · Jul 16, 2013
FOIA Oversight and Implementation Act of 2013 or the FOIA Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to:
require federal agencies to make public information disclosed under FOIA available in an electronic, publicly accessible format;
require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure the existence and operation of a single, free website for submitting requests for records and receiving automated information about the status of a FOIA request;
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
revise the standard for exempting information under FOIA to require foreseeable harm from disclosure (presumption of openess);
expand the functions and reporting requirements of the Office of Government Information Services;
expand the rights of individuals making a FOIA request to appeal an adverse determination;
require agencies to determine whether the release of agency records would contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of government;
require agencies to document additional search or duplication fees;
require agencies to submit annual FOIA reports to the Director of the Office of Government Information Services, in addition to the Attorney General;
expand the duties of the Chief FOIA Officer of each agency to require an annual compliance review of FOIA requirements;
establish the Chief FOIA Officers Council to develop recommendations for increasing compliance with FOIA requirements; and
require each agency to update its FOIA regulations within 180 days of the enactment of this Act.
(Sec. 3) Requires: (1) OMB to establish a three-year pilot program to review the benefits of FOIAonline (the electronic online portal FOIAonline.regulations.gov) to process requests and release information as required by FOIA, (2) OMB to establish a plan to evaluate FOIAonline at no less than three agencies that have not previously participated in FOIAonline, and (3) the head of each federal agency participating in the pilot program to report to Congress on the impact of the program on agency processes under FOIA and whether the agency will continue to participate in FOIAonline.
(Sec. 4) Requires the Inspector General of each federal agency to: (1) periodically review compliance with FOIA disclosure requirements, including the timely processing of requests, assessment of fees and fee waivers, and the use of disclosure exemptions; and (2) make recommendations to the head of an agency, including recommendations for disciplinary action. Makes the improper withholding of information under FOIA a basis for disciplinary action.
People & committees
Rep. Issa, Darrell E. [R-CA-49] · R–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 0 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1887-1890)
House roll call 63 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 0 (Roll no. 63).(text: CR H1887-1890)
House roll call 63 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1921-1922)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1211.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1887-1891)
Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. (consideration: CR H1887)
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 112.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 113-155.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 113-155.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.1211 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1211 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1211 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1211 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.