Rules Regarding Availability of Information, 65262-65270 [2020-22463]

Agencies

• FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 200 (Thursday, October 15, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65262-65270]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22463]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 200 / Thursday, October 15, 2020 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 65262]]



FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

12 CFR Part 271


Rules Regarding Availability of Information

AGENCY: Federal Open Market Committee (Committee), Federal Reserve 
System.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Committee is inviting comment on a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (proposal) that would amend the Committee's Rules Regarding 
Availability of Information (Committee's Rules). The amendments clarify 
and update the Committee's regulations implementing the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) by streamlining its regulations and 
incorporating guidance from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

DATES: Comments must be received by December 14, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ``Part 271 Rules 
Regarding Availability of Information,'' by any of the following 
methods:
     Email: [email protected]. Include ``Part 271 Rules 
Regarding Availability of Information'' in the subject line of the 
message.
     Fax: (202) 452-2921.
     Mail: Matthew Luecke, Deputy Secretary of the Committee, 
Federal Open Market Committee, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20551.
    All public comments are available from the Committee's website at 
https://www.federalreserve.gov/foia/fomc/readingrooms.htm as submitted, 
unless modified for technical reasons or to remove personally 
identifiable information at the commenter's request. Accordingly, 
comments will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact 
information. Public comments may also be viewed in paper upon request 
by calling (202) 973-7400 to receive copies of the comments by mail.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Luecke, Deputy Secretary of 
the Committee, (202) 452-2576, Federal Open Market Committee, 20th 
Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551; Misty M. 
Kheterpal, Senior Counsel, (202) 452-2597, or Eric Stitely, Senior 
Attorney, (202) 872-4944; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The purpose of this proposed revision of the Committee's Rules is 
to set forth more clearly the procedures for requesting access to 
documents that are records of the Committee under the FOIA. The 
proposal also revises certain definitions to be consistent with 
language from the FOIA and DOJ guidance \1\ and to conform to the 
Committee's current FOIA practices. The Committee is also proposing to 
reorganize the format of its rules for clarity by organizing the 
regulations into three subparts. Subpart A, consisting of Sec. Sec.  
271.1 through 271.4, will contain general provisions and definitions of 
terms used throughout part 271. Subpart B, consisting of Sec. Sec.  
271.10 through 271.16, will implement the FOIA and lay out the 
requirements and procedures for requesting records from the Committee. 
Subpart C, consisting of Sec.  271.20, will set forth the procedures 
with respect to subpoenas. These provisions and changes are described 
in more detail below.
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    \1\ https://www.justice.gov/oip/template-agency-foia-regulations. The DOJ Guidance incorporates requirements found in the 
FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114-185).
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II. Description of the Proposal

A. Subpart A--General

    Subpart A describes the authority, purpose, and scope of the 
regulation and includes new or revised definitions for the terms used 
in the regulation. Subpart A also has a new section, Sec.  271.3, which 
describes the process for certification and service of subpoenas. 
Finally, Sec.  271.4, which describes prohibitions against disclosure, 
was formerly part of Sec.  271.7(e) and has been moved to Subpart A for 
clarity.
Sec.  271.1 Authority, Purpose, and Scope
    While Sec.  271.1 largely tracks the current Sec.  271.1, the 
Committee has made changes to improve the language and organization of 
the section.
Sec.  271.2 Definitions
    Section 271.2 contains the definitions of key terms used throughout 
part 271. The Committee's proposal to Sec.  271.2 adds new terms and 
clarifies certain existing terms. In addition, the Committee proposes 
moving all terms related to the fees for processing a FOIA request, 
such as ``commercial use request,'' ``direct costs,'' ``duplication,'' 
``educational institution,'' ``noncommercial scientific institution,'' 
``representative of the news media,'' and ``review'' to the general 
fees section at Sec.  271.16. The Committee's proposed changes to these 
fees-related definitions are discussed in more depth in the Fees 
section below.
    The Committee proposes adding new definitions for three new terms 
(``Committee,'' ``exempt information,'' and ``working day''). The 
Committee also proposes modifying the definitions of ``records of the 
Committee'' and ``search'' to clarify the full scope of those terms and 
to conform the terms with current Committee practices to facilitate the 
orderly processing of requests. Finally, the Committee proposes 
deleting the definition ``information of the committee'' as no longer 
necessary in light of the revision made in Sec.  271.2(e).
    Sec.  271.2(b) Committee Committee means the Chairman of the 
Committee or his designee.
    Sec.  271.2(c) Exempt information The Committee proposes adding the 
term ``exempt information'' to emphasize that the term applies to 
information subject to an exemption under the FOIA.
    Sec.  271.2(e) Records of the Committee The Committee's revised 
definition of this term updates the description of records by 
incorporating language from the definition of ``information of the 
committee'' to better clarify the types of records the public can 
request under the FOIA.
    Sec.  271.2(f)(1) Search The proposed changes simplify the 
definition of ``search'' by moving the part of the definition relating 
to computing fees to Sec.  271.16, which discusses the fee schedule.

[[Page 65263]]

    Sec.  271.2(g) Working day The Committee proposes adding a 
definition of ``working day'' to clarify time limits in accordance with 
the FOIA. 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)(i).
Sec.  271.3 Certification of Record; Service of Subpoenas or Other 
Process
    A new Sec.  271.3 will be added to subpart A to add language 
clarifying that the secretary of the Committee may certify the 
authenticity of any Committee record and is authorized to accept 
service of subpoenas or other judicial process.
Sec.  271.4 Prohibition Against Disclosure
    A new Sec.  271.4 will be added to subpart A to emphasize the 
general prohibition on disclosure of the Committee's exempt information 
by Board or Reserve Bank staff. This provision is currently included in 
Sec.  271.7(e).

B. Subpart B--Published Information and Records Available to Public; 
Procedures for Requests

    Subpart B implements the FOIA and sets forth the procedures for 
requesting records from the Committee.
Sec.  271.10 Published Information
    This revised section (currently Sec.  271.3) is modified to combine 
similar information from current Sec. Sec.  271.3 and 271.4 into one 
section. Since it is the first section in subpart B, it will be 
renumbered to Sec.  271.10. Section 271.10 lists and explains the 
various types of information that are readily available to the public 
in the Federal Register or in the Committee's electronic reading room. 
The proposed regulations revise the regulations in four ways. First, 
the Committee proposes shortening the list of items published in the 
Federal Register by replacing the item listed in original paragraph 
(a)(6) with Other notices as required by law in order to add 
flexibility in the event of new required reports. Second, the Committee 
proposes removing the paragraph regarding the Annual report to Congress 
due to the ready availability of this information on the Board's public 
website. Third, the Committee proposes moving the information from 
paragraph (c) regarding Other published information into paragraph (b) 
Publicly available information; specifically, the information will be 
under paragraph (b)(1) about the Committee's electronic reading room. 
Finally, the Committee will consolidate duplicative material in current 
Sec.  271.4 into Sec.  271.10(b). The FOIA statute requires certain 
information be made available for public inspection. Currently, the 
Committee's regulations summarize under current Sec.  271.4 that 
``records described in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)'' will be made available for 
inspection in electronic format. In order to be more transparent, the 
Committee will now list out the specific types of information from 5 
U.S.C. 552(a)(2) in Sec.  271.10(b)(1)(i) through (v). In particular, 
Sec.  271.10(b)(1) will explain what information is available in the 
Committee's electronic reading room, Sec.  271.10(b)(2) will explain 
which publicly available filings may be made available at Reserve 
Banks, and Sec.  271.10(b)(3) will contain the existing provision from 
current Sec.  271.4(d) authorizing the Committee to delete personal 
privacy details prior to disclosure.
Sec.  271.11 Records Available to the Public Upon Request
    This revised section (currently Sec.  271.5) is modified to 
separate the mechanics of making a request (new Sec.  271.11(a)) from 
the contents of the request (new Sec.  271.11(b)). Specifically, 
information about how the request should reasonably describe records 
will now be covered in the contents of the request instead of in the 
section describing the procedures for making a request. In addition, 
the Committee proposes adding language to clarify that a request for 
records cannot be combined with any other request submitted to the 
Committee. Finally, Sec.  271.11(c) will include information about what 
constitutes a perfected request in addition to the current information 
about defective requests.
Sec.  271.12 Processing Requests
    The substance of current Sec.  271.6 relating to processing 
requests is largely unchanged, although some clarifying language has 
been added. This section (newly numbered Sec.  271.12) contains 
information on tracking and time limits. In addition, the Committee 
proposes clarifying that its time period for responding to a request 
begins when it receives a perfected request that includes all required 
information. Responses to requests, currently in Sec.  271.6, will be 
moved to the next section, Sec.  271.13. Matters related to appeals, 
also currently included in Sec.  271.6, will be moved to a later 
section, Sec.  271.14. Further changes to Sec.  271.12 include 
incorporating language from DOJ guidance into Sec. Sec.  271.12(c) 
(``Expedited Processing'') and (e) (``Time Limits'').
Sec.  271.13 Responses to Requests
    While the majority of the language in the proposal reflects the 
current regulation regarding responses to requests, Sec.  271.13 is 
reorganized and includes a few substantive edits. Section 271.13(a) 
will clarify that the search for responsive records, and therefore the 
start of the response time clock, will begin once the Committee has 
received a perfected request. The language will also be revised to 
explain that the search for responsive records will be of Committee 
records in existence as of the date of the search. The foreseeable harm 
standard language currently in Sec.  271.7(a) will be moved to Sec.  
271.13(c) and the discussion of segregability, now in Sec.  271.7(b), 
will be moved to Sec.  271.13(d) to reflect the sequential process that 
the Committee takes when it processes a FOIA request. The Committee 
proposes editing Sec.  271.13(e)(3) (currently Sec.  271.6(e)(3)) to 
conform to the DOJ guidance, mainly to specify that the Committee will 
provide the requester with an estimate of the amount of information 
withheld unless the amount of information withheld is indicated by 
deletions marked on the documents that are produced in part or if 
providing an estimate would harm an interest protected by an exemption. 
Section 271.13(f) will set out with additional specificity what 
determinations are considered ``adverse determinations'' that can be 
appealed. Finally, the Committee proposes editing Sec.  271.13(g) 
(currently Sec.  271.6(g)) to indicate that the Committee will 
typically send responsive records via email unless otherwise agreed 
upon by the Committee and the requester.
Sec.  271.14 Appeals
    The Committee proposes adding a new section, Sec.  271.14, for 
Appeals, which was previously discussed in Sec.  271.6(h). Section 
271.14(a)(1) will now specifically include information about how to 
appeal the denial of expedited treatment. Further, the time period of 
90 days for a requester to file an appeal is being added to conform to 
the FOIA statute and DOJ guidance. Finally, the Committee proposes 
adding Sec.  271.14(c) to explain that the Committee may reconsider an 
adverse determination if intervening circumstances or additional facts 
come to the attention of the Committee.
Sec.  271.15 Exemptions From Disclosure
    Section 271.15 lists the exemptions available under the FOIA, 
currently located in Sec.  271.7. The Committee proposes simplifying 
the language related to exemption (b)(3) of the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 
552(b)(3), to incorporate rather than repeat the statutory language. In 
addition, language restricting the Committee's use of exemption (b)(5) 
of

[[Page 65264]]

the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(5), will be moved from the introductory 
paragraph of the exemptions section into the section describing the 
specific exemption, Sec.  271.15(a)(5). The Committee also proposes 
adding clarifying information to Sec.  271.15(b) which discusses the 
circumstances under which the Committee may make a discretionary 
release of exempt information. For example, the Committee proposes 
moving language currently in Sec.  271.7(c), which permits the 
Committee to make discretionary disclosures of any material that is 
exempt under FOIA, into Sec.  271.15(b)(1). The Committee also proposes 
adding paragraph (b)(2) to explain that the Committee's prior release 
of particular exempt information does not waive the Committee's ability 
to withhold similar exempt information in response to the same or a 
different request. Section 271.15(c) is mostly unchanged from the 
current provision (Sec.  271.7(d)) regarding delayed release of 
information.
Sec.  271.16 Fee Schedules; Waiver of Fees
    Proposed Sec.  271.16 sets forth various provisions relating to the 
fees applicable to requests for records and also provides the proposed 
fee schedule in a table. The Committee proposes several changes to the 
current fee provisions. First, the Committee proposes adding language 
to Sec.  271.16(a) (currently Sec.  271.9(a)) to emphasize that the fee 
schedules will be applied in a manner consistent with the limitations 
set forth in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(viii), which reference the 
Committee's compliance with the response time limit and also address 
unusual circumstances. Second, the Committee proposes adding Sec.  
271.16(b) to address the definitions for search time, direct costs, 
duplication, and review, which have been modified to provide greater 
clarity. Third, the Committee proposes removing from Sec.  271.16(c)(1) 
any reference to a dollar threshold for when the Committee will give 
advance notification of fees. Fourth, proposed Sec.  271.16(d) will 
define the different categories of requesters, which are currently 
found in Sec.  271.2 (``Definitions''). The Committee believes that 
these definitions are better grouped in the fees section so that users 
only have to reference a single section in order to determine the fee 
category for which they qualify. The proposal updates the definitions 
for ``representative of the news media,'' ``educational institution,'' 
and ``noncommercial scientific institution'' to be consistent with the 
FOIA and DOJ guidance. The Committee will also set out a fee schedule 
in chart form in place of the current regulatory language so that users 
can more easily determine which fees apply. Finally, the Committee 
proposes modifying Sec.  271.16(g) (currently Sec.  271.9(f)) to 
include DOJ guidance language regarding the conditions for a waiver or 
reduction of fees.

C. Subpart C--Subpoenas, Orders Compelling Production, and Other 
Process

    Subpart C sets forth the procedures with respect to subpoenas, 
orders compelling productions, and other process.
Sec.  271.20 Subpoenas, Orders Compelling Production, and Other Process
    Information addressing the actions required of any individual who 
is served with a subpoena, order, or other judicial or administrative 
process requiring production of exempt information of the Committee is 
currently in Sec.  271.8. The Committee proposes moving this section 
into newly created subpart C under Sec.  271.20. The Committee proposes 
minor clarifying revisions to this section in order to update the 
process to conform to current Committee practice. The Committee also 
proposes adding language to make clear that the Committee does not 
expect parties to defy court orders where the Committee has had an 
opportunity to appear and oppose disclosure of its information.

III. Administrative Law Matters

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq., the Committee is publishing an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis (``IRFA'') of the proposal.\2\ The RFA generally 
requires each federal agency to prepare an IRFA in connection with the 
promulgation of a proposed rule or certify that the proposed rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Under regulations issued by the Small Business Administration 
(``SBA''), a small entity includes a depository institution, bank 
holding company, or savings and loan holding company with average total 
assets of $600 million or less and trust companies with average total 
assets of $41.5 million or less.\3\
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    \2\ 5 U.S.C. 603.
    \3\ 84 FR 34261 (July 18, 2019). Pursuant to SBA regulations, 
the asset size of a concern includes the assets of the concern whose 
size is at issue and all of its domestic and foreign affiliates. 13 
CFR 121.103(a)(6).
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    Based on the Committee's analysis, and for the reasons stated 
below, the Committee believes that this proposed rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The Committee will, if necessary, conduct a final regulatory 
flexibility analysis after consideration of comments received during 
the public comment period.
    1. Statement of the need for, and objectives of, the proposed rule. 
The proposed rule updates the procedures for requesting access to 
documents that are records of the Committee under the FOIA, which 
authorizes the release of information. Specifically, the amendments 
clarify and update the Committee's regulations implementing the FOIA by 
streamlining its regulations and incorporating guidance from the DOJ.
    2. Small entities affected by the proposed rule. Like the 
Committee's current part 271 regulation, the requirements set forth in 
the proposed rule with respect to requests for Committee records under 
the FOIA apply equally to all persons and to all entities regardless of 
their size. The proposal, which in part introduces organizational 
changes to clarify the Committee's FOIA regulation, does not impose 
economic effects on FOIA requesters, including any FOIA requesters that 
would be small entities. Notably, under the FOIA, fees for processing 
FOIA requests must be limited to reasonable standard charges.
    3. Recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance requirements. The 
proposal does not impose any reporting, recordkeeping, or other 
compliance requirements on persons or entities, including small 
entities. The proposed rule only makes technical changes to the process 
for requesting Committee information. This streamlining does not 
materially affect any reporting requirements associated with how the 
Committee processes FOIA requests. For these reasons, the proposal does 
not impose any reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance 
requirements on persons or entities, including small entities.
    4. Other Federal rules. The Committee does not believe that the 
proposal duplicates, overlaps, or conflicts with any other Federal 
rules.
    5. Significant alternatives to the proposed revisions. The 
Committee does not believe that there are other significant 
alternatives to the proposed rule which accomplish its stated 
objectives.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    There is no collection of information required by this proposal 
that would be

[[Page 65265]]

subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

Plain Language

    Section 722 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires each federal 
banking agency to use plain language in all rules published after 
January 1, 2000. In light of this requirement, the Committee believes 
this proposal is presented in a simple and straightforward manner and 
is consistent with this ``plain language'' directive.

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 271

    Federal Open Market Committee, Freedom of information.

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, the 
Federal Open Market Committee proposes to revise 12 CFR part 271 to 
read as follows:

PART 271--RULES REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

Subpart A--General
Sec.
271.1 Authority, purpose, and scope.
271.2 Definitions.
271.3 Certification of record; service of subpoenas or other 
process.
271.4 Prohibition against disclosure.
Subpart B--Published Information and Records Available to Public; 
Procedures for Requests
271.10 Published information.
271.11 Records available to the public upon request.
271.12 Processing requests.
271.13 Responses to requests.
271.14 Appeals.
271.15 Exemptions from disclosure.
271.16 Fee schedules; waiver of fees.
Subpart C--Subpoenas, Orders Compelling Production, and Other Process
271.20 Subpoenas, orders compelling production, and other process.

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552; 12 U.S.C. 263.

Subpart A--General


Sec.  271.1   Authority, purpose, and scope.

    (a) Authority and purpose. This part establishes mechanisms for 
carrying out the Federal Open Market Committee's (Committee) statutory 
responsibilities relating to the disclosure, production, or withholding 
of information. In this regard, the Committee has determined that the 
Committee, or its delegees, may disclose exempt information of the 
Committee, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this part, 
whenever it is necessary or appropriate to do so in the exercise of any 
of the Committee's authorities, including but not limited to authority 
granted to the Committee in the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 
552, and section 12A of the Federal Reserve Act, 12 U.S.C. 263. The 
Committee has determined that all such disclosures made in accordance 
with the rules and procedures specified in this part are authorized by 
law. This part also sets forth the categories of information made 
available to the public, the procedures for obtaining information and 
records, the procedures for limited release of exempt information, and 
the procedures for protecting confidential business information.
    (b) Scope. (1) Subpart A of this part contains general provisions 
and definitions of terms used in this part.
    (2) Subpart B of this part implements the Freedom of Information 
Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552).
    (3) Subpart C of this part sets forth the procedures with respect 
to subpoenas, orders compelling production, and other process.


Sec.  271.2   Definitions.

    For purposes of this part:
    (a) Board means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System established by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 (38 Stat. 251).
    (b) Committee means the Chairman of the Committee or the Chairman's 
designee.
    (c) Exempt information means information that is exempt from 
disclosure pursuant to Sec.  271.15(a).
    (d) Federal Reserve Bank or Reserve Bank means one of the District 
Banks authorized by the Federal Reserve Act, 12 U.S.C. 222, including 
any branch of any such bank.
    (e) Records of the Committee or Committee records include all 
information coming into the possession of the Committee or any member 
thereof or of any officer, employee, or agent of the Committee, the 
Board, or any Federal Reserve Bank, in the performance of duties for, 
or pursuant to the direction of, the Committee. These records include 
rules, statements, decisions, minutes, memoranda, letters, reports, 
transcripts, accounts, charts, and other written material.
    (f)(1) Search means a reasonable search of such records of the 
Committee as seem likely in the particular circumstances to contain 
information of the kind requested.
    (2) As part of the Committee's search for responsive records, the 
Committee is not obligated to conduct any research, create any 
document, or modify an electronic program or automated information 
system.
    (g) Working day means any day except Saturday, Sunday, or a legal 
Federal holiday.


Sec.  271.3   Certification of record; service of subpoenas or other 
process.

    (a) Certification of record. The secretary of the Committee may 
certify the authenticity of any Committee record, or any copy of such 
record, for any purpose, and for or before any duly constituted Federal 
or state court, tribunal, or agency.
    (b) Service of subpoenas or other process. Subpoenas or other 
judicial or administrative process demanding access to any Committee 
records or making any claim against the Committee or against Committee 
members or staff in their official capacity shall be addressed to and 
served upon the Secretary of the Committee, Federal Open Market 
Committee, 20th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551. 
The Committee does not accept service of process on behalf of any 
employee in respect of purely private legal disputes.


Sec.  271.4   Prohibition against disclosure.

    Except as provided in this part or as otherwise authorized, no 
officer, employee, or agent of the Board or any Reserve Bank shall 
disclose or permit the disclosure of any exempt information of the 
Committee to any person other than Board or Reserve Bank officers, 
employees, or agents properly entitled to such information in the 
performance of duties for, or pursuant to the direction of, the 
Committee.

Subpart B--Published Information and Records Available to Public; 
Procedures for Requests


Sec.  271.10   Published information.

    (a) Federal Register. The Committee publishes, or incorporates by 
reference, in the Federal Register for the guidance of the public:
    (1) A description of its organization;
    (2) Statements of the general course and method by which its 
functions are channeled and determined, including the nature and 
requirements of procedures;
    (3) Rules of procedure;
    (4) Substantive rules, interpretations of general applicability, 
and statements of general policy formulated and adopted by the 
Committee;
    (5) Every amendment, revision, or repeal of the foregoing in 
paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section; and
    (6) Other notices as required by law.
    (b) Publicly available information--(1) Electronic reading room. 
Information relating to the Committee, including its

[[Page 65266]]

open market operations, is made publicly available on the websites of 
the Board and the Federal Reserve Banks, as well as in the Committee's 
electronic reading room, https://www.federalreserve.gov/foia/fomc/readingrooms.htm#rr1. The Committee also makes the following records 
available in its electronic reading room.
    (i) Final opinions, including concurring and dissenting opinions, 
as well as final orders and written agreements, made in the 
adjudication of cases.
    (ii) Statements of policy and interpretations adopted by the 
Committee that are not published in the Federal Register.
    (iii) Administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that 
affect the public.
    (iv) Copies of all records, regardless of form or format--
    (A) That have been released to any person under Sec.  271.11; and
    (B)(1) That because of the nature of their subject matter, the 
Committee has determined have become or are likely to become the 
subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records; or
    (2) That have been requested three or more times.
    (v) A general index of the records referred to in paragraph 
(b)(1)(iv) of this section.
    (2) Inspection in electronic format at Reserve Banks. The Committee 
may determine that certain classes of publicly available filings shall 
be made available for inspection in electronic format only at the 
Reserve Bank where those records are filed.
    (3) Privacy protection. The Committee may delete identifying 
details from any public record to prevent a clearly unwarranted 
invasion of personal privacy.


Sec.  271.11   Records available to the public upon request.

    (a) Procedures for requesting records. (1) Requesters are 
encouraged to submit requests electronically using the online request 
form located at www.federalreserve.gov/secure/forms/FOMCForm.aspx. 
Alternatively, requests may be submitted in writing to the Secretary of 
the Committee, Federal Open Market Committee, 20th Street and 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551; or sent by facsimile to 
the Secretary of the Committee, (202) 452-2921. Clearly mark the 
request FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST.
    (2) A request may not be combined with any other request or FOIA 
appeal.
    (b) Contents of request. A request must include:
    (1) The requester's name, address, daytime telephone number, and an 
email address if available.
    (2) A description of the records that enables the Committee to 
identify and produce the records with reasonable effort and without 
unduly burdening or significantly interfering with any of the 
Committee's operations. Whenever possible, the request should include 
specific information about each record sought, such as the date, title 
or name, author, recipient, and subject matter of the record.
    (3) A statement agreeing to pay the applicable fees. If the 
information requested is not intended for a commercial use (as defined 
in Sec.  271.16(d)(1)) and the requester seeks a reduction or waiver of 
fees because he or she is either a representative of the news media, an 
educational institution, or a noncommercial scientific institution, the 
requester should include the information called for in Sec.  
271.16(g)(2).
    (c) Perfected and defective requests. (1) The Committee will 
consider the request to be perfected on the date the secretary of the 
Committee receives a request that contains all of the information 
required by paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section.
    (2) The Committee need not accept or process a request that does 
not reasonably describe the records requested or that does not 
otherwise comply with the requirements of this section.
    (3) The Committee may return a defective request, specifying the 
deficiency. The requester may submit a corrected request, which will be 
treated as a new request.


Sec.  271.12   Processing requests.

    (a) Receipt of requests. Upon receipt of any request that satisfies 
the requirements set forth in Sec.  271.11, the Committee shall assign 
the request to the appropriate processing schedule, pursuant to 
paragraph (b) of this section. The date of receipt for any request, 
including one that is addressed incorrectly or that is referred to the 
Committee by another agency or by a Federal Reserve Bank, is the date 
the secretary of the Committee actually receives the request.
    (b) Multitrack processing. (1) The Committee provides different 
levels of processing for categories of requests under this section.
    (i) Requests for records that are readily identifiable by the 
Committee and that have already been cleared for public release or can 
easily be cleared for public release may qualify for simple processing.
    (ii) All other requests shall be handled under normal processing 
procedures, unless expedited processing has been granted pursuant to 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) The Committee will make the determination whether a request 
qualifies for simple processing. A requester may contact the Committee 
to learn whether a particular request has been assigned to simple 
processing. If the request has not qualified for simple processing, the 
requester may limit the scope of the request in order to qualify for 
simple processing by contacting the Committee in writing, by letter or 
email, or by telephone.
    (c) Expedited processing. (1) A request for expedited processing 
may be made at any time. A request for expedited processing must be 
clearly labeled ``Expedited Processing Requested.'' The Committee will 
process requests and appeals on an expedited basis whenever it is 
determined that they involve:
    (i) Circumstances in which the lack of expedited processing could 
reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or 
physical safety of an individual; or
    (ii) An urgency to inform the public about an actual or alleged 
Federal Government activity, if made by a person who is primarily 
engaged in disseminating information.
    (2) A requester who seeks expedited processing must submit a 
statement, certified to be true and correct, explaining in detail the 
basis for making the request for expedited processing. For example, 
under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, a requester who is not a 
full-time member of the news media must establish that the requester is 
a person whose primary professional activity or occupation is 
information dissemination, though it need not be the requester's sole 
occupation. Such a requester also must establish a particular urgency 
to inform the public about the Government activity involved in the 
request--one that extends beyond the public's right to know about 
Federal Government activity generally. The existence of numerous 
articles published on a given subject can be helpful in establishing 
the requirement that there be an ``urgency to inform'' the public on 
the topic. As a matter of administrative discretion, the Committee may 
waive the formal certification requirement.
    (3) Within 10 calendar days of receipt of a request for expedited 
processing, the Committee will notify the requester of its decision on 
the request. A denial of expedited processing may be appealed to the 
Committee in accordance with Sec.  271.14. The

[[Page 65267]]

Committee will respond to the appeal within 10 working days of receipt 
of the appeal.
    (d) Priority of responses. The Committee will normally process 
requests in the order they are received in the separate processing 
tracks, except when expedited processing is granted in which case the 
request will be processed as soon as practicable.
    (e) Time limits. The time for response to requests shall be 20 
working days from when a request is perfected. Exceptions to the 20-day 
time limit are only as follows:
    (1) In the case of expedited treatment under paragraph (c) of this 
section, the Committee shall give the expedited request priority over 
non-expedited requests and shall process the expedited request as soon 
as practicable.
    (2) Where the running of such time is suspended for a requester to 
address fee requirements pursuant to Sec.  271.16(c)(1) or (2).
    (3) In unusual circumstances, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B), 
the Committee may:
    (i) Extend the 20-day time limit for a period of time not to exceed 
10 working days, where the Committee has provided written notice to the 
requester setting forth the reasons for the extension and the date on 
which a determination is expected to be dispatched; and
    (ii) Extend the 20-day time limit for a period of more than 10 
working days where the Committee has provided the requester with an 
opportunity to modify the scope of the FOIA request so that it can be 
processed within that time frame or with an opportunity to arrange an 
alternative time frame for processing the original request or a 
modified request, and has notified the requester that the Committee's 
FOIA Public Liaison is available to assist the requester for purposes 
of this paragraph (e)(3)(ii) and in the resolution of any disputes 
between the requester and the Committee, and of the requester's right 
to seek dispute resolution services from the Office of Government 
Information Services.


Sec.  271.13   Responses to requests.

    (a) When the Committee receives a perfected request, it will 
conduct a reasonable search of Committee records in its possession on 
the date the Committee's search begins and will review any responsive 
information it locates.
    (b) If a request covers documents that were created by, obtained 
from, or classified by another agency, the Committee may refer the 
request for such documents to that agency for a response and inform the 
requester promptly of the referral. To the extent there is confidential 
supervisory information, as that term is defined by 12 CFR 261.2(b), 
contained within Committee records, disclosure of such information will 
be handled in consultation with the Board.
    (c) In responding to a request, the Committee will withhold 
information under this section only if--
    (1) The Committee reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an 
interest protected by an exemption described in Sec.  271.15(a); or
    (2) Disclosure is prohibited by law.
    (d) The Committee will take reasonable steps necessary to segregate 
and release nonexempt information.
    (e) The Committee shall notify the requester of:
    (1) The Committee's determination of the request;
    (2) The reasons for the determination;
    (3) An estimate of the amount of information withheld, if any. An 
estimate is not required if the amount of information is otherwise 
indicated by deletions marked on records that are disclosed in part or 
if providing an estimate would harm an interest protected by an 
applicable exemption;
    (4) The right of the requester to seek assistance from the 
Committee's FOIA Public Liaison; and
    (5) When an adverse determination is made, the Committee will 
advise the requester in writing of that determination and will further 
advise the requester of:
    (i) The right of the requester to appeal any adverse determination 
within 90 calendar days after the date of the determination, as 
specified in Sec.  271.14;
    (ii) The right of the requester to seek dispute resolution services 
from the Committee's FOIA Public Liaison or from the Office of 
Government Information Services; and
    (iii) The name and title or position of the person responsible for 
the adverse determination.
    (f) Adverse determinations, or denials of requests, include 
decisions that the requested record is exempt, in whole or in part; the 
request does not reasonably describe the records sought; the 
information requested is not a record subject to the FOIA; the 
requested record does not exist, cannot be located, or has been 
destroyed; or the requested record is not readily reproducible in the 
form or format sought by the requester. Adverse determinations also 
include denials involving fees or fee waiver matters or denials of 
requests for expedited treatment.
    (g) The Committee will normally send responsive, nonexempt 
documents to the requester by email but may use other means as arranged 
between the Committee and the requester or as determined by the 
Committee. The Committee will attempt to provide records in the format 
requested by the requester.


Sec.  271.14   Appeals.

    (a) If the Committee makes an adverse determination as defined in 
Sec.  271.13(f), the requester may file a written appeal with the 
Committee, as follows:
    (1) The appeal should prominently display the phrase FREEDOM OF 
INFORMATION ACT APPEAL on the first page, and shall be sent directly to 
[email protected] or, if sent by mail, addressed to the 
Secretary of the Committee, Federal Open Market Committee, 20th Street 
and Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20551; or sent by facsimile 
to the Secretary of the Committee, (202) 452-2921. If the requester is 
appealing the denial of expedited treatment, the appeal should clearly 
be labeled ``Appeal for Expedited Processing.''
    (2) A request for records under Sec.  271.11 may not be combined in 
the same letter with an appeal.
    (3) To be considered timely, an appeal must be postmarked, or in 
the case of electronic submissions, transmitted, within 90 calendar 
days after the date of the adverse determination.
    (b) Except as provided in Sec.  271.12(c)(3), the Committee shall 
make a determination regarding any appeal within 20 working days of 
actual receipt of the appeal by the Committee. If an adverse 
determination is upheld on appeal, in whole or in part, the 
determination letter shall notify the appealing party of the right to 
seek judicial review and of the availability of dispute resolution 
services from the Office of Government Information Services as a non-
exclusive alternative to litigation.
    (c) The Committee may reconsider an adverse determination, 
including one on appeal, if intervening circumstances or additional 
facts not known at the time of the adverse determination come to the 
attention of the Committee.


Sec.  271.15   Exemptions from disclosure.

    (a) Types of records exempt from disclosure. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
552(b), the following records of the Committee are exempt from 
disclosure under this part.
    (1) Any information that is specifically authorized under criteria 
established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of 
national defense or foreign policy and is in fact

[[Page 65268]]

properly classified pursuant to the Executive order.
    (2) Any information related solely to the internal personnel rules 
and practices of the Committee.
    (3) Any information specifically exempted from disclosure by 
statute to the extent required by 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(3).
    (4) Any matter that is a trade secret or that constitutes 
commercial or financial information obtained from a person and that is 
privileged or confidential.
    (5) Inter- or intra-agency memorandums or letters that would not be 
available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the 
Committee, provided that the deliberative process privilege shall not 
apply to records that were created 25 years or more before the date on 
which the records were requested.
    (6) Any information contained in personnel and medical files and 
similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly 
unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
    (7) Any records or information compiled for law enforcement 
purposes, to the extent permitted under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7).
    (8) Any matter that is contained in or related to examination, 
operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the 
use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of 
financial institutions, including a state financial institution 
supervisory agency.
    (b) Release of exempt information. (1) Except where disclosure is 
expressly prohibited by statute, regulation, or order, the Committee 
may release records that are exempt from mandatory disclosure whenever 
the Committee determines that such disclosure would be in the public 
interest.
    (2) The fact that the Committee has determined to release 
particular exempt information does not waive the Committee's ability to 
withhold similar exempt information in response to the same or a 
different request.
    (c) Delayed release. Except as required by law, publication in the 
Federal Register or availability to the public of certain information 
may be delayed if immediate disclosure would likely:
    (1) Interfere with accomplishing the objectives of the Committee in 
the discharge of its statutory functions;
    (2) Interfere with the orderly conduct of the foreign affairs of 
the United States;
    (3) Permit speculators or others to gain unfair profits or other 
unfair advantages by speculative trading in securities or otherwise;
    (4) Result in unnecessary or unwarranted disturbances in the 
securities markets;
    (5) Interfere with the orderly execution of the objectives or 
policies of other Government agencies; or
    (6) Impair the ability to negotiate any contract or otherwise harm 
the commercial or financial interest of the United States, the 
Committee, any Federal Reserve Bank, or any department or agency of the 
United States.


Sec.  271.16   Fee schedules; waiver of fees.

    (a) Fee schedules. Consistent with the limitations set forth in 5 
U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(viii), the fees applicable to a request for records 
pursuant to Sec.  271.11 are set forth in table 1 to this section. 
These fees cover only the full allowable direct costs of search, 
duplication, and review. No fees will be charged where the average cost 
of collecting the fee (calculated at $5.00) exceeds the amount of the 
fee.
    (b) For purposes of computing fees. (1) Search time includes all 
time spent looking for material that is responsive to a request, 
including line-by-line identification of material within documents. 
Such activity is distinct from ``review'' of material to determine 
whether the material is exempt from disclosure.
    (2) Direct costs mean those expenditures that the Committee 
actually incurs in searching for, reviewing, and duplicating records in 
response to a request made under Sec.  271.11, as shown in table 1 to 
this section.
    (3) Duplication refers to the process of making a copy, in any 
format, of a document.
    (4) Review refers to the process of examining documents that have 
been located as being potentially responsive to a request for records 
to determine whether any portion of a document is exempt from 
disclosure. It includes doing all that is necessary to prepare the 
documents for release, including the redaction of exempt information. 
It does not include time spent resolving general legal or policy issues 
regarding the application of exemptions.
    (c) Payment procedures. The Committee may assume that a person 
requesting records pursuant to Sec.  271.11 will pay the applicable 
fees, unless the request includes a limitation on fees to be paid or 
seeks a waiver or reduction of fees pursuant to paragraph (g) of this 
section.
    (1) Advance notification of fees. If the estimated charges are 
likely to exceed the amount authorized by the requester, the secretary 
of the Committee shall notify the requester of the estimated amount. 
Upon receipt of such notice, the requester may confer with the 
secretary of the Committee to reformulate the request to lower the 
costs or may authorize a higher amount. The time period for responding 
to requests under Sec.  271.12(e) and the processing of the request 
will be suspended until the requester agrees in writing to pay the 
applicable fees.
    (2) Advance payment. The Committee may require advance payment of 
any fee estimated to exceed $250. The Committee may also require full 
payment in advance where a requester has previously failed to pay a fee 
in a timely fashion. The time period for responding to a request under 
Sec.  271.12(e), and the processing of the request shall be suspended 
until the Committee receives the required payment.
    (3) Late charges. The Committee may assess interest charges when 
fee payment is not made within 30 days of the date on which the billing 
was sent. Interest is at the rate prescribed in 31 U.S.C. 3717 and 
accrues from the date of the billing.
    (d) Categories of uses. The fees assessed depend upon the intended 
use for the records requested. In determining which category is 
appropriate, the Committee will look to the intended use set forth in 
the request for records. Where a requester's description of the use is 
insufficient to make a determination, the Committee may seek additional 
clarification before categorizing the request.
    (1) A commercial use requester is one who requests records for a 
use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests 
of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made, 
which can include furthering those interests through litigation.
    (2) Representative of the news media is any person or entity that 
gathers information of potential interest to a segment of the public, 
uses its editorial skills to turn the raw materials into a distinct 
work, and distributes that work to an audience, including organizations 
that disseminate solely on the internet. The term ``news'' means 
information that is about current events or that would be of current 
interest to the public. A non-affiliated journalist who demonstrates a 
solid basis for expecting publication through a news media entity, such 
as a publishing contract or past publication record, will be considered 
as a representative of the news media.
    (3) Educational institution is any school that operates a program 
of

[[Page 65269]]

scholarly research. A requester in this fee category must show that the 
request is made in connection with his or her role at the educational 
institution. The Committee may seek verification from the requester 
that the request is in furtherance of scholarly research.
    (1) Noncommercial scientific institution is an institution that is 
not operated on a ``commercial'' basis, as defined in paragraph (d)(1) 
of this section, and that is operated solely for the purpose of 
conducting scientific research the results of which are not intended to 
promote any particular product or industry. A requester in this 
category must show that the request is authorized by and is made under 
the auspices of a qualifying institution and that the records are 
sought to further scientific research and are not for a commercial use.
    (2) Please refer to table 1 to this section to determine what fees 
apply for different categories of users.
    (e) Nonproductive search. Fees for search and review may be charged 
even if no responsive documents are located or if the request is 
denied.
    (f) Aggregated requests. A requester may not file multiple requests 
at the same time, solely in order to avoid payment of fees. If the 
Committee reasonably believes that a requester is separating a single 
request into a series of requests for the purpose of evading the 
assessment of fees, the Committee may aggregate any such requests and 
charge accordingly. It is considered reasonable for the Committee to 
presume that multiple requests of this type made within a 30-day period 
have been made to avoid fees.
    (g) Waiver or reduction of fees. A request for a waiver or 
reduction of the fees, and the justification for the waiver, shall be 
included with the request for records to which it pertains. If a waiver 
is requested and the requester has not indicated in writing an 
agreement to pay the applicable fees if the waiver request is denied, 
the time for response to the request for documents, as set forth in 
Sec.  271.12(e), shall not begin until either a waiver has been granted 
or, if the waiver is denied, until the requester has agreed to pay the 
applicable fees.
    (1) The Committee shall grant a waiver or reduction of fees where 
it is determined both that disclosure of the information is in the 
public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to 
public understanding of the operation or activities of the government, 
and that the disclosure of information is not primarily in the 
commercial interest of the requester. In making this determination, the 
Committee will consider the following factors:
    (i) Whether the subject of the records would shed light on 
identifiable operations or activities of the Government with a 
connection that is direct and clear, not remote or attenuated; and
    (ii) Whether disclosure of the information is likely to contribute 
significantly to public understanding of those operations or 
activities. This factor is satisfied when the following criteria are 
met:
    (A) Disclosure of the requested records must be meaningfully 
informative about Government operations or activities. The disclosure 
of information that already is in the public domain, in either the same 
or a substantially identical form, would not be meaningfully 
informative if nothing new would be added to the public's 
understanding.
    (B) The disclosure must contribute to the understanding of a 
reasonably broad audience of persons interested in the subject, as 
opposed to the individual understanding of the requester. A requester's 
expertise in the subject area as well as the requester's ability and 
intention to effectively convey information to the public must be 
considered. The Committee will presume that a representative of the 
news media will satisfy this consideration.
    (iii) The disclosure must not be primarily in the commercial 
interest of the requester. A commercial interest includes any 
commercial, trade, profit, or litigation interest.
    (2) A request for a waiver or reduction of fees shall include:
    (i) A clear statement of the requester's interest in the documents;
    (ii) The use proposed for the documents and whether the requester 
will derive income or other benefit for such use;
    (iii) A statement of how the public will benefit from such use and 
from the Committee's release of the documents;
    (iv) A description of the method by which the information will be 
disseminated to the public; and
    (v) If specialized use of the information is contemplated, a 
statement of the requester's qualifications that are relevant to that 
use.
    (3) The requester has the burden to present evidence or information 
in support of a request for a waiver or reduction of fees.
    (4) The Committee shall notify the requester of its determination 
on the request for a waiver or reduction of fees. The requester may 
appeal a denial in accordance with Sec.  271.14(a).
    (5) Where only some of the records to be released satisfy the 
requirements for a waiver of fees, a waiver must be granted for those 
records.
    (6) A request for a waiver or reduction of fees should be made when 
the request for records is first submitted to the Committee and should 
address the criteria referenced in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of 
this section. A requester may submit a fee waiver request at a later 
time so long as the underlying record request is pending or on 
administrative appeal. When a requester who has committed to pay fees 
subsequently asks for a waiver of those fees and that waiver is denied, 
the requester must pay any costs incurred up to the date the fee waiver 
request was received.
    (h) Restrictions on charging fees. (1) If the Committee fails to 
comply with the FOIA's time limits in which to respond to a request, 
the Committee may not charge search fees, or, in the instances of 
requests from requesters described in paragraphs (d)(2) through (4) of 
this section, will not charge duplication fees, except as permitted 
under paragraphs (h)(2) through (4) of this section.
    (2) If the Committee has determined that unusual circumstances 
exist, as described in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B), and has provided timely 
written notice to the requester and subsequently responds within the 
additional 10 working days provided in Sec.  271.12(e)(3), the 
Committee may charge search fees, or in the case of requesters 
described in paragraphs (d)(2) through (4) of this section, may charge 
duplication fees.
    (3) If the Committee has determined that unusual circumstances 
exist, as described in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B), and more than 5,000 pages 
are necessary to respond to the request, the Committee may charge 
search fees, or, in the case of requesters described in paragraphs 
(d)(2) through (4) of this section, may charge duplication fees, if the 
Committee has:
    (i) Provided timely written notice of unusual circumstances to the 
requester in accordance with the FOIA; and
    (ii) Discussed with the requester via written mail, email, or 
telephone (or made not less than three good-faith attempts to do so) 
how the requester could effectively limit the scope of the request in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B)(ii).
    (4) If a court has determined that exceptional circumstances exist, 
as defined by the FOIA, a failure to comply with the time limits shall 
be excused for the length of time provided by the court order.

[[Page 65270]]

    (i) Employee requests. In connection with any request by an 
employee, former employee, or applicant for employment, for records for 
use in prosecuting a grievance or complaint of discrimination against 
the Committee, fees shall be waived where the total charges (including 
charges for information provided under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 
U.S.C. 552a)) are $50 or less; but the Committee may waive fees in 
excess of that amount.
    (j) Special services. The Committee may agree to provide, and set 
fees to recover the costs of, special services not covered by the FOIA, 
such as certifying records or information and sending records by 
special methods such as express mail or overnight delivery.

                                         Table 1 to Sec.   271.16--Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Type of requester             Search costs per hour    Review costs per hour      Duplication costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial...........................  Clerical/Technical       Clerical/Technical       Photocopy per standard
                                        staff $20.               staff $20.               page .10.
                                       Professional/            Professional/            Other types of
                                        Supervisory staff $40.   Supervisory staff $40.   duplication Direct
                                                                                          Costs.
                                       Manager/Senior           Manager/Senior
                                        professional staff $65.  professional staff $65.
                                       Computer search,
                                        including computer
                                        search time, output,
                                        operator's salary
                                        Direct Costs.
Educational; or Non-commercial         Costs waived...........  Costs waived...........  First 100 pages free,
 scientific; or News media.                                                               then:
                                       .......................  .......................  Photocopy per standard
                                                                                          page .10.
                                       .......................  .......................  Other types of
                                                                                          duplication Direct
                                                                                          Costs.
All other requesters.................  First 2 hours free,      Costs waived...........  First 100 pages free,
                                        then:.                                            then:
                                       Clerical/Technical       .......................  Photocopy per standard
                                        staff $20.                                        page .10.
                                       Professional/            .......................  Other types of
                                        Supervisory staff $40.                            duplication Direct
                                                                                          Costs.
                                       Manager/Senior
                                        professional staff $65.
                                       Computer search,
                                        including computer
                                        search time, output,
                                        operator's salary
                                        Direct Costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subpart C--Subpoenas, Orders Compelling Production, and Other 
Process


Sec.  271.20   Subpoenas, orders compelling production, and other 
process.

    (a) Advice by person served. Any person, whether or not an officer 
or employee of the Committee, of the Board, or of a Federal Reserve 
Bank, who is served with a subpoena, order, or other judicial or 
administrative process requiring the production of exempt information 
of the Committee or requiring the person's testimony regarding such 
Committee information in any proceeding, shall:
    (1) Promptly inform the Committee's General Counsel of the service 
and all relevant facts, including the documents, information, or 
testimony demanded, and any facts relevant to the Committee in 
determining whether the material requested should be made available;
    (2) Inform the entity issuing the process of the substance of this 
part; and
    (3) At the appropriate time, inform the court or tribunal that 
issued the process of the substance of this part.
    (b) Appearance by person served. Unless authorized by the Committee 
or as ordered by a Federal court in a judicial proceeding in which the 
Committee has had the opportunity to appear and oppose discovery, any 
person who is required to respond to a subpoena or other legal process 
concerning exempt Committee information shall attend at the time and 
place required and respectfully decline to disclose or to give any 
testimony with respect to the information, basing such refusal upon the 
provisions of this part. If the court or other body orders the 
disclosure of the information or the giving of testimony, the person 
having the information shall continue to decline to disclose such 
information and shall promptly report the facts to the Committee for 
such action as the Committee may deem appropriate.

Federal Open Market Committee.
Matthew M. Luecke,
Deputy Secretary of the Committee.
[FR Doc. 2020-22463 Filed 10-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6210-01-P