USTR Issues Proposed Rule on Freedom of Information Act Requests and Disclosures

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is issuing a final rule (here) detailing how protocols for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and disclosures will be amended in line with a larger revision of regulations for the agency. In response to comments filed by the Justice Department, USTR is amending a September proposed rule (see 1609220071) to include language to provide for public inspection and copying in an electronic format, clarify suggestions for submitting a "carefully tailored" FOIA request, explain that FOIA response time is measured in working days as opposed to calendar days, and give notice that when USTR needs additional FOIA processing time, it will tell a requester of the services of its FOIA Public Liaison and Office of Government Information Services of the National Archives and Records Administration, among other things. The rule will become effective on Dec. 15.