House Republicans, who are now projected to keep control of the lower chamber, are demanding that top officials across the outgoing Biden administration retain documents and communications for potential investigations in the next session of Congress.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced on Tuesday that he and other GOP leaders sent a letter to every Cabinet secretary, telling each one to preserve records ahead of President-elect Donald Trump beginning his second term in the White House early next year.
“As we begin preparation for a new Trump Administration and new Congress, we fully expect your cooperation in a smooth transition of power. To that end, it is imperative that during the transition you fully comply with all statutory record retention requirements, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act. In addition to compliance with federal record retention laws, we are also expressly directing that all necessary steps be taken to preserve relevant Department documents and communications,” they wrote.
“During the 118th Congress, House Committees conducted robust oversight concerning the Biden-Harris Administration’s disastrous border policies, tragic Afghanistan withdrawal, collusion with social media companies to suppress free speech, and weaponization of federal agencies against its political opponents, as well as the antisemitism at our nation’s universities enabled by leading Democrats,” the GOP lawmakers added.
“In the waning days of this Congress, House Committees will continue to seek compliance with many of the subpoenas with which you largely declined to cooperate. Likewise, as the 119th Congress begins, the Committees may determine that it is necessary to reissue certain subpoenas as they continue with their oversight efforts,” they continued, before signing off: “Thank you in advance for your compliance with this request.”
Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) announced on Monday, nearly one week after Election Day, that Republicans were projected to retain command of the House. As of press time, the GOP will have at least a two-seat majority. A handful of races have yet to be called. The Republicans completed a 2024 sweep that also included the GOP retaking the Senate and Trump winning back the White House.
GOP leadership elections in the House are expected to take place on Wednesday. House Democrats are slated to hold their leadership elections next week. Johnson is running to keep the speaker’s gavel, but the House likely will not vote on that role until January. It remains to be seen if anyone challenges him.
