The Ethics in Government Act (PDF), not the Freedom of Information Act, authorizes the release of certain documents for individuals who have been appointed by the President to executive branch positions requiring Senate confirmation.
Specifically, the certified Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF 278/OGE 278), certificates of divestiture, and other covered records for these and certain other individuals are among documents released under the Ethics in Government Act.
Click here to read the statutory provision in the Ethics in Government Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 4 § 105, and OGE regulations providing public access to financial disclosure forms.
Click here to use OGE’s new automated tool to obtain copies of the Public Financial Disclosure Reports (SF 278/OGE Form 278) and other covered records for individuals who have been appointed by President Obama to executive branch positions requiring Senate confirmation. This page also provides an explanation of other available public records.