Government's Spring Cleaning: Tossing Old Files, Seeking Your Input
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Archives is sharing new plans from federal agencies about which old records they want to toss because they’re no longer needed. They’re asking the public to check out these plans and share thoughts by June 5, 2026. This helps keep government files tidy without costing extra money or time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Agencies May Destroy Old Federal Records
Federal agencies have proposed records schedules that, if approved by the Archivist, authorize agencies to destroy records they no longer need or to transfer records of continuing value to the National Archives. The Archivist will approve schedules only after considering administrative use, government and private rights, and historical value, and NARA will post a Consolidated Reply after approval.
Comments Will Be Publicly Posted
You can comment on proposed federal records schedules through regulations.gov, but any comment you submit (including personal information and attachments) will be posted to the public docket unchanged. If you do not want your comment posted publicly, you must contact NARA at the provided email for instructions on submitting confidential material. Comments must be received by June 5, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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