This bill changes how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) works by blocking certain foreign entities from getting access to U.S. government records. Specifically, it prevents companies and organizations that are owned by or connected to countries like China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela from requesting and receiving government documents through FOIA. The bill also creates penalties for anyone who knowingly helps these blocked entities get around the rules—so if you assist a prohibited foreign company in filing a FOIA request or help them obtain government information, you could face legal consequences. In practical terms, this means government agencies will need to check who is requesting information and refuse requests from these foreign-connected entities, even if the same information might be available to other requesters. The bill essentially treats FOIA access as something the U.S. government can restrict based on a requester's foreign connections or ownership.

FOIA Fix Act of 2023

Rubio, Marco

First Opportunity for Information to Americans Act of 2023 or the FOIA Fix Act of 2023 This bill bars certain foreign nationals and entities from obtaining U.S. government records under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill specifically prohibits an agency from making records available to specified requesters, including an entity that is a subsidiary of an entity with a principal place of business or headquarters located in China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, or Venezuela. Further, the bill sets penalties for knowingly assisting, conspiring, or abetting a request for information on behalf of an individual or entity that is prohibited from receiving it. <ul> </ul>