Committee Chairs across the House of Representatives this week sent letters directing the White House and more than 50 federal agencies — including the FCC — to comply with federal record-keeping laws and preserve information responsive to congressional subpoenas and investigations.
“As the 116th Congress and the Trump Administration approach the conclusion of our respective terms, we write to remind you that you and your employees, including all component agencies and offices, must comply with the record preservation obligations set forth in federal law and to remind you of [your obligation] and your agency’s ongoing obligations to preserve information relevant to congressional oversight,” the Chairs wrote.
The lawmakers directed the FCC to preserve all records in accordance with the Federal Records Act, and related regulations, as well as all documents that are or may be potentially responsive to any congressional inquiry, request, investigation, or subpoena that was initiated, continued, or otherwise undertaken during the 116th Congress. “You are obligated to ensure that any information previously requested by Congress—and any other information that is required by law to be preserved—is saved and appropriately archived in a manner that is easily retrievable,” stated the lawmakers.
The preservation letters cover documents and electronic messages and metadata involving official business that were sent using both official and personal accounts or devices, including communications through text messaging, phone-based message applications, or encryption software. Signing the letters were: House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Oversight and Reform Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowry (D-NY) and Rules Committee Chair James McGovern (D-MA).
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