Rep. Waxman, Ranking Member of the House Government Reform Committee, and Rep. Schakowsky, Ranking Member of the Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management, and Intergovernmental Relations, wrote the President that his Executive Order contains provisions that “clearly violate the intent of the law.”

“This order blocks the release of historically important documents,” said Rep. Waxman. “I am disappointed that the Bush Administration is continuing its course of secrecy and now extending it to documents from past Administrations.”

“The American people have right to know.  The Presidential Records Act guarantees that right and a level of transparency and accountability to the public.  I see no good reason why President Bush would want to limit the public’s access to such critical information.  What is he trying to hide?” Rep. Schakowsky said.
 
In the letter, the members wrote, “We were dismayed to learn that you changed the Executive Order governing the release of Presidential records in a manner that will decrease public access to these records.  We urge you to rescind that order.”

They added, “The new Executive Order contains provisions that could drastically restrict public access to important records.  It allows the sitting President to withhold the records of a former President, even if that President wants those records released.  In addition, the order requires the public to show a specific need for a document before it is released.”

Reps. Waxman and Schakowsky said that the new Executive Order attempts to rewrite the Presidential Records Act, which was adopted to ensure fair and timely public access to Presidential Records.  They urged the President to reverse course, and immediately “begin a dialogue with Congress and the public to determine the need for clarification of this law.”