A Times’s Analysis Reveals Federal Record Processing Delays
A Times’s analysis of 16 years of available federal data reveals that federal agencies are lagging in processing requests for government records.
The Times' analysis highlights a disturbing trend: federal agencies are increasingly unable to meet their legal obligations to process public record requests in a timely manner. This crisis not only obstructs citizens' right to information but also undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that are foundational to our democracy. In 2026, with record numbers of requests pending, efforts to combat this backlog have intensified, with proposals for improved data tracking and enhanced penalties for noncompliance on the table. However, the challenge remains immense, as agencies grapple with dwindling resources and complex data management systems. Florida Professor Fired for Assigning a Profane Story, Lawsuit Says