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Senator Blocks Presidential Papers Bill

Anonymous hold delays attempt to overturn Bush's records-sealing order

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 12:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – An unidentified Republican senator is blocking a bill that would overturn President Bush's 2001 executive order allowing presidents to keep their papers permanently classified. The bill, approved by the House 333-93 in March, would easily survive a presidential veto if it passed the Senate. A hold is essentially a promise to filibuster, and may be filed anonymously.

Three senators are likely candidates for having submitted the hold, the Dallas Morning News reports: Ted Stevens and Tom Coburn, whose aides deny any such bill-blocking attempts, and George Voinovich, whose camp is keeping quiet. Historians are frustrated by the delay in ensuring presidential records stay public. As one points out, "the best way to undermine the historical record is to close it down."

Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, walks on Capitol Hill in Washington in this July 31, 2007 file photo. Stevens' knew from the beginning that an Alaskan oil contractor was renovating his home, according to... (Associated Press)

Senator George Voinovich (KRT Photos)

President Bush pauses while making a statement to reporters after being briefed at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. At rear is Vice President Dick Cheney. (AP... (Associated Press)

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Senator Blocks Presidential Papers Bill

Anonymous hold delays attempt to overturn Bush's records-sealing order

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Agency could face a second shutdown

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George Voinovich crosses the aisle

Senate Breaks GOP's Unemployment Filibuster

Moderate Republicans break ranks to move bill past key hurdle

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Vote expected before Fourth of July break

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Senator Blocks Presidential Papers Bill

Anonymous hold delays attempt to overturn Bush's records-sealing order

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Senate • Ted Stevens • filibuster • Tom Coburn • presidential papers • George Voinovich • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Coburn Holds FAA Hostage With One-Man Filibuster

Agency could face a second shutdown

Democrats Break Filibuster on Small-Business Bill

George Voinovich crosses the aisle

Senate Breaks GOP's Unemployment Filibuster

Moderate Republicans break ranks to move bill past key hurdle

Ethics Reform Bill Sails Through Senate

Some Republicans unsatisfied with scope; Bush may not sign

Senate Leaders Reach Deal to Revive Immigration Bill

Vote expected before Fourth of July break

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?