Clinton to Release Presidential Papers
Years Ahead of Schedule
Former President Bill Clinton will soon be releasing his presidential papers dealing with some of the confidential advice he received in the White House. His decision comes a full year before his presidential library is scheduled to open.
The Presidential Records Act of 1978 allows former presidents to withhold release of their confidential papers for up to 12 years after leaving office, as have Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush. A controversial November 1, 2001, executive order by President George W. Bush indefinitely extended the deadline; Public Citizen’s lawsuit challenging its constitutionality is pending.
Among the records being prepared for release are exchanges between top advisors and domestic-policy and appointment advice Clinton received from staff members and others. However, Clinton said he would not waive attorney-client privilege regarding conversations about personal matters such as the Whitewater, Paula Jones, and Monica Lewinsky investigations.
“The more information we can make available to scholars, historians, and the general public, the better informed people will be about the formulation of public policy and the decision-making process at the White House,” the former president stated February 3 in a written response to questions posed by the Associated Press.
Posted February 10, 2003.
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