DOJ issued a news release today stating that Attorney General Gonzales had appointed a new Director of the Office of Information and Privacy (OIP).  The release outlines the new person’s responsibilities, stating that she will "manage[ ] the Department’s responsibilities related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which include developing policy guidance and ensuring compliance with the FOIA, responding to initial information requests made to the senior leadership offices, adjudicating all appeals from denials by any Department component under the FOIA, and handling FOIA litigation matters."  FOIA is clearly not the same as Congress asking for materials via its recent subpoena (see here).  But one has to wonder if the DOJ is gearing up for a fight on turning over the requested documents.  A new chief of staff was also appointed at DOJ. (see here)

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