US Republicans are concerned that President Barack Obama may delete key files and shred important documents which could be requested in future congressional probes.
Indeed, Darrell West of the Brookings Institution told The Hill that House Republicans are likely to formally ask the administration to refrain from shredding or erasing documents, files and records.
“[Yes], this will [undoubtedly] happen right away,” said West.
“Because the [GOP] wants to make sure that the documentary record is preserved so they have something to investigate,” said West.
However, John Wonderlich of the Sunlight Foundation believes Republican-led investigations of past Democratic policies and conduct may be initiated more slowly than expected, as the freshly triumphant party has little interest in appearing overly aggressive.
“[Asking for the retention of documents] is the sort of thing that wouldn’t surprise me at all, but as an opening volley that could be seen as really aggressive,” said Wonderlich.
“And immediately, both sides are going to be posturing to look like the reasonable ones with the open hand. So, it’s not like it’s going to be open season right away.”
