Bush Order Keeping Scholars From Presidential Papers

Historians are up in arms over a 2001 executive order issued by President Bush which made it much more difficult for the public to gain access to historical presidential records than ever before. “[The] order restricted the release of presidential records by giving sitting presidents the power to delay the release of papers indefinitely, while extending the control of former presidents, vice presidents and their families.” Congress is considering a bill to overturn Mr. Bush’s order.