As President Joe Biden prepares to leave the White House in just over two months, House Speaker Mike Johnson has issued a bold directive to the administration: preserve all records for impending congressional investigations.
In a sweeping move, Johnson sent letters to the heads of all 18 federal departments on Tuesday, instructing them to retain documents that could become pivotal in upcoming probes. The directive underscores the House Republicans’ commitment to scrutinizing key issues from Biden’s tenure, ensuring no stone is left unturned as they prepare for a potential second Trump administration.
According to Breitbart, Johnson’s letters demand full compliance with federal record retention laws, including the Federal Records Act. In one such letter, obtained by Breitbart contributor Matthew Boyle and addressed to Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, Johnson laid out the House’s expectations.
“As we begin preparation for a new Trump Administration and new Congress, we fully expect your cooperation in a smooth transition of power,” Johnson wrote.
He emphasized the importance of preserving all relevant records and communications, stating, “It is imperative that during the transition you comply with all statutory record retention requirements.”
Johnson’s directive isn’t just about ensuring compliance with archival laws; it’s a precursor to a series of high-stakes investigations. The Louisiana Republican listed several areas of concern that House committees will probe, signaling the GOP’s intent to hold the Biden administration accountable.
Among the key topics:
- The Biden administration’s border policies: Johnson characterized these as “disastrous,” blaming them for the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
- The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan: The GOP has long criticized the 2021 pullout, calling it a strategic failure that left Americans and allies vulnerable.
- Collusion with social media companies: Johnson pointed to allegations that federal agencies worked with tech platforms to suppress free speech, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election.
- Weaponization of federal agencies: Republicans accuse the Biden administration of using agencies like the DOJ and IRS to target political opponents.
- Antisemitism on college campuses: Johnson alleged that leading Democrats have enabled antisemitism in universities, an issue that has gained attention amid recent geopolitical tensions.
Johnson also highlighted a recurring frustration for House Republicans: the Biden administration’s refusal to comply with subpoenas. Over the past two years, numerous House committees have issued subpoenas in connection with their investigations, only to face pushback or outright noncompliance.
“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,” Johnson noted.
He made it clear that the new Congress, which convenes in January, will not hesitate to reissue subpoenas and pursue enforcement if necessary.
“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,” Johnson added.
Johnson’s record preservation order comes at a time of heightened anticipation within Republican ranks. With Donald Trump set to return to the White House in 2025, the GOP is preparing to launch a unified government, potentially with full control of both chambers of Congress.
The investigations outlined in Johnson’s letters reflect key elements of the Republican agenda, which prioritizes addressing perceived government overreach, restoring border security, and ensuring accountability for past decisions.
By issuing this directive now, Johnson is sending a strong message to the Biden administration: resistance to congressional oversight will not be tolerated. The move is as much about preserving evidence as it is about setting the tone for the coming political battles.
The Speaker’s letters are also likely aimed at ensuring that critical documents aren’t lost during the transition of power—a problem that has plagued past administrations.
As the new Congress gears up, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to comply with House Republicans’ demands. The coming months are expected to see a flurry of activity, as GOP lawmakers ramp up their oversight efforts.
Whether Johnson’s aggressive stance will yield cooperation or lead to further clashes remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the next chapter of Republican oversight is just beginning, and it promises to be a turbulent one for the Biden administration.
