Deborah Koff Ross: “FOIA does not require that all records be released to requesters. The FOIA statute allows agencies to withhold…”

“FOIA does not require that all records be released to requesters. The FOIA statute allows agencies to withhold information under nine exemptions, which were designed to protect truly sensitive information that would be harmful to important interests if released. Just last year, Congress clarified that the expectation--and now the legal requirement--is that agencies only withhold information when it is necessary to prevent harm to the interest that the exemption was intended to protect. The Johnson amendment clarifies that Fannie and Freddie would be allowed to withhold requested information under those nine exemptions, just as any other agency would be permitted to withhold information, if the enterprises reasonably foresee that disclosure would harm a protected interest. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson). The question was taken; and the Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”