• Attorneys



• Cases and Documents



• Alan Morrison Supreme Court Assistance Project



• Freedom of Information Clearinghouse



• Consumer Justice Project



• Internet Free Speech



• Fellowship and Employment Opportunities



• FAQs



• Litigation Group
  E-Update

Presidential Records

Public Citizen has long worked to ensure public access to historical materials of former presidents. The materials below relate to Public Citizen's recent efforts to maintain that access.

Links to Additional Information About the Executive Order on Presidential Records

• White House Release - Executive Order (11/1/2001)
• List of Historical Works That Would Have Been Affected by the new Executive Order (compiled by the American Library Association)

Public Citizen's Response to President Bush's November 1, 2001 Executive Order on Presidential Records

A recent White House Executive Order threatens to limit access to historical materials of former presidents by granting former presidents veto power over releases of documents that they claim are subject to "executive privilege." Public Citizen has submitted a letter to the House Subcommittee with oversight over such matters explaining that the new Executive Order is contrary to the Presidential Records Act and to prior judicial decisions that limit assertions of "executive privilege."

• Testimony of Scott L. Nelson, Litigation Group attorney, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (3/1/2007)
• Testimony of Scott L. Nelson, Litigation Group attorney, before the House Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations (11/6/2001)
• Letter to House Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations

American Historical Association v. The National Archives and Records Administration

A federal court should order the National Archives to allow public access to presidential records and disregard President Bush's executive order restricting access because the order plainly violates federal law.

• Memorandum Opinion (10/1/2007)
• Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment (2/8/2002)
• Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment (2/8/2002)
• Plaintiffs' Statement of Undisputed Facts in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment (2/8/2002)
• Complaint For Declaratory, Injunctive And Mandamus Relief (11/28/2001)

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.