Petrelis Files

National Security Agency's FOIA Logs FOIA'ed

There's really not all that much information at the National Security Agency's web site, which comes as no big surprise. But nevertheless, two sections stand out.

The NSA's nod to the Freedom of Information Act in response to requests for documents includes a page on UFOs:

"The following terms have been searched in response to requests for information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Paranormal Events, but no responsive material has been located." (Click to read the list of terms.)

A search of Federal Election Commission records turned up these donations from NSA employees in recent years. No files were located for NSA's top-brass. Interesting that for the few donations made, they all went to either John Kerry or the Democrats.

Chandler, Robert
9/21/2004
$1,000.00
Fort Washington, MD 20744
National Security Agency/Acquisition
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Schwab, Keith
7/22/2004
$250.00
Washington, DC 20007
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/QUANTUM PH
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC

Snyder, Allen
5/21/2004
$2,000.00
Laurel, MD 20723
National Security Agency/Computers
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC

Snyder, Allen
10/7/2004
$500.00
Laurel, MD 20723
National Security Agency/Computers
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Volcheck, Emil
6/30/2004
$250.00
Baltimore, MD 21218
National Security Agency/Analyst
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC

Since I wasn't at all happy with the dearth of even a cursory FOIA reading room at the NSA site, and an extremely small amount of documents and files from the agency have been made public, I decided the best way for me to learn about the NSA's FOIA operation and who's been filing requests for records was to file the following request:


National Security Agency
ATTN: FOIA Office (DC34)
9800 Savage Road STE 6248
Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755-6248

Dear Sir or Madam,

Pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby submit a request for copies, or access to, any and all of the National Security Agency’s FOIA request logs for the period of time from January 1, 2000, through the date of this letter.

Given today’s voluminous page-one news stories about the NSA engaging in warrantless surveillance, the intense public scrutiny of the agency, the policies of President George W. Bush and his administration, Congressional demands for investigations and answers, and the impact these factors exert on essential government functions, it is abundantly clear that release of your FOIA logs is of vital national importance.

Thus, I believe my request must be cloaked with expedited processing status, as provided for in particulars of the Act.

As a working news blogger, I further ask that all copying, searching and processing costs be waived.

I will expect a reply within 10-days, as called for by law.

If you have any questions, please call me at 1-415-xxx-xxxx.

Regards,
Michael Petrelis


This letter was submitted via snail mail and fax. I'll let you know when I receive a reply from the NSA and if the agency releases any documents or files to me.