Tillis introduces FOIA reform bill for VA

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently unveiled a bipartisan bill that would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a plan for reducing its backlog of requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

“Today, veterans are facing unacceptable wait times to receive the information they need, largely due to inefficiencies at the VA that have resulted in a growing backlog,” Sen. Tillis said. “Veterans who are simply requesting access to their personal medical or military records deserve a quick response to their request.”

The VA FOIA Reform Act of 2021, S. 2163, which Sen. Tillis cosponsored on June 22 with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), would direct the VA to establish and carry out a plan to meet FOIA requirements, uncover the root causes of the backlog, and identify technology needs and procedural changes that could speed up the fulfillment of requests, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.

Additionally, the bill would direct the VA to request that the National Archives and Records Administration conduct a review of the VA’s FOIA process and assess its compliance, among other provisions, the summary says.

“We have to take care of those who served our country, and this commonsense legislation will require VA to take the steps necessary to comply with federal law while also bringing transparency to this process,” said Sen. Tillis.

The companion bill, H.R. 2726, on June 15 received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives, which sent the bill to the U.S. Senate where it was referred to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration on June 16.