IV. Mandatory Declassification Review: An Alternative to FOIA

While not an issue arising within the context of FOIA appeals, MDR is another avenue to consider when seeking classified records. You may instead seek declassification of the information through the separate Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) process outlined in EO 13526 as an alternative to filing a FOIA request and challenging an Exemption 1 withholding through the FOIA appeal process.