Politics
National Archives threatening to withhold Hunter Biden evidence as ‘personal’
The National Archives and Records Administration is reportedly threatening to withhold evidence it deems “personal” with regards to the Biden family probe. House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer requested further access into records on Wednesday, but claims the agency is pushing back.
In a letter to Archivist Colleen Shogan, Comer explained the issue:
In discussions between NARA and Committee staff regarding the Committee’s previous request for special access to Vice-Presidential records, NARA informed the Committee that certain documents in NARA’s custody would not be produced to the Committee—and, indeed, NARA would not inform the Committee of their existence—if NARA deems those records to be “personal records” as defined by the PRA.7 However, “personal records” are defined as those records “which do not relate to or have an effect upon the carrying out of the constitutional, statutory, or other official or ceremonial duties of” the Vice President.8 The Committee has made clear that its investigation involves potential abuse by then-Vice President Biden of his official duties;9 it cannot be NARA that determines whether certain records “do not relate to or have an effect upon” those duties.10 If NARA withholds from the Committee documents responsive to Committee requests, the Committee requests NARA produce a log asserting the basis for withholding the document.11 This log should state the length of the document withheld, its sender(s) and recipient(s), the time and date the document was transmitted, and the justification for NARA’s determination to withhold the document.
Comer asks for the full collection of correspondence between Hunter Biden’s business partner Eric Schwerin, who was directly coordinating with then-Vice President Joe Biden’s office on coordinating media messaging relating to Hunter and Burma Holdings. In addition to Schwerin’s emails, Comer’s letter also demands the Archives produce:
- All documents and communications to or from the Executive Office of the President (including but not limited to the Office of the Vice President) to, from, copying or regarding Schwerin, Archer, Vuk Jeremic, John Robinson “Rob” Walker, or Jeffrey Cooper;
- All documents and communications to or from Kate Bedingfield, Michael Carpenter, Kathy Chung, Amos Hochstein, Colin Kahl and Alexander Mackler to, from, copying or regarding Hunter Biden or James Biden;
- All executive calendars created for then-Vice President Joe Biden dating from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017.
Comer concludes:
The Committee on Oversight and Accountability has specific jurisdiction over NARA under House Rule X. Additionally, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
What was supposed to be a hearing on the Secret Service agency’s failures leading to two assassination attempts against President-elect Trump, led to a shouting match on Capitol Hill. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, “shouted at Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, after the GOP lawmaker lambasted the service for security lapses that made Trump a target of two failed shooting attempts” according to Fox News, which details:
The outburst happened after Fallon showed a picture of Presidents Biden and Trump at a 9/11 commemoration ceremony this year and suggested that as the Special Agent in Charge of that detail, Rowe should have been close enough to Biden to be in the picture. Rowe was not pictured.
“Who is usually at an event like this closest to the President of the United States?” Fallon asked, pointing at the photo. “Were you the special agent in charge of the detail that day?”
Rowe said the security detail was present but out of view of the camera. As he spoke, he became enraged and accused Fallon of using 9/11 for political purposes.
“That is the day where we remember more than 3,000 people that have died on 9/11. I actually responded to Ground Zero,” Rowe said. “I was there going through the ashes of the World Trade Center.”
“I’m not asking that, I’m asking you, if you were… were you the special agent in charge!?” Fallon interrupted, shouting at Rowe.
Rowe raised his voice in response. “I was there to show respect for a Secret Service member that died on 9/11!” he yelled back.
“Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes!” Rowe screamed at the lawmaker.
“I’m not,” Fallon fired back, as the committee chairman demanded order and banged his gavel.
“You are, sir. You are out of line, congressman!” Rowe fumed. “Way out of line.”
Fallon then accused Rowe of “playing politics” by refusing to answer his question.
“I am a public servant who has served this nation,” Rowe retorted, saying he served on the nation’s “darkest day.”
“You will not politicize it!” Rowe thundered.
WATCH EXCHANGE: FOX NEWS
-
Immigration6 days ago‘Times’ Up’ For Tren de Aragua Members, Major Arrest in NYC
-
Media5 days agoTHE POOR DEARS: White House Reporters Claim They’re Already ‘Exhausted’ by Second Trump Administration
-
Immigration5 days agoCNN Host’s Reaction to Tom Homan Comments About Denver Mayor Speaks Volumes (VIDEO)
-
Politics5 days agoBiden Omits God From Thanksgiving Message
