A FOIA request is a formal way for individuals to ask for access to information held by the government in the United States. FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act, which was enacted in 1966. This law allows citizens to request records from federal agencies, promoting transparency and accountability in government operations. When someone submits a FOIA request, the agency must respond within a specific timeframe, usually 20 business days. However, the request may be denied if the information falls under certain exemptions, such as national security or personal privacy. Overall, FOIA requests are an important tool for public oversight.