Presidential Library Bill Gathering Dust in Senate

[illinoisprogressive]

SHINGTON – Legislation that would force the Bush presidential library to disclose its donors is stalled in the Senate, as is a bill that would nullify President Bush's decision to allow White House records to be sealed forever without explanation.

The bills have strong backing from government watchdog groups and no outspoken opponents. The House sent both measures to the Senate in March, and a Senate committee gave its approval before Congress went on summer vacation.

But the full Senate has yet to act, and now that lawmakers have returned to work, their attention is on Iraq, the budget and other issues, and advocates aren't too optimistic.

"I know the Senate's been busy," said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which shepherded the proposals. "There's a lot going on. But I'm hoping they'll pick it up. It's up to them now."

Historians, librarians and researchers chafe especially at an executive order Mr. Bush signed a few weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks. It allows presidents and their heirs to seal papers forever, with no recourse. Many warn that with such a rule in force, the facility Mr. Bush is planning at Southern Methodist University could offer an abridged version of events.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/washington/stories/091007dnnatlibrarydonors.37a1612.html

[unhappycamper]

1. I'm sure *'s library would include an abridged version of events. n/t

[Silence Dogood]

2. I'm sure Obama will work very hard

to overturn Bush's EO. It will be an interesting read.