Government Accountability Office September 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

GAO amends its records rule to clarify and broaden the existing exemption regarding the disclosure of congressional correspondence and to add a new provision regarding the handling of requests for records of interviews created by GAO in connection with its work. Specifically, the revision to the congressional correspondence exemption enables GAO to release or withhold congressional correspondence without prior congressional authorization. The new provision ensures that an agency from which an interview was obtained is notified of a request for the record of interview and receives an opportunity to advise GAO whether the record of interview or portions thereof should be exempt from disclosure. The new provision will enhance the open, frank, and honest exchange of information from other agencies, nonfederal organizations, and individuals to GAO during the course of a GAO audit, evaluation, or investigation.