FOIA Resources Center
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is one of the most powerful tools citizens have to promote government transparency and accountability. Truth Trench Think Tank maintains this resource to help individuals, researchers, and journalists submit effective FOIA requests.
Top Federal Agencies for FOIA Requests
| Agency | Submit FOIA | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| HHS | Submit → | Public health, FDA, CDC |
| Department of Defense | Submit → | Military, intelligence |
| FBI | Submit → | Investigations & records |
| DHS | Submit → | Immigration & borders |
| Department of Justice | Submit → | Legal policy, FISA |
| CDC | Submit → | Health data |
| FDA | Submit → | Drug approvals, trials |
How to File an Effective FOIA Request
- Be as specific as possible — include dates, names, and document types
- Request records in electronic format
- Ask for a fee waiver if doing research or journalism
- Keep records of all correspondence
- Follow up persistently but politely
Pro Tip: Most major agencies now have online FOIA portals that make submission much faster.
Truth Trench Think Tank — Promoting Government Transparency Through Informed Citizen Action.