Barack Obama announces sweeping rules limiting involvement of lobbyists in his White House.

[Turborama]

Source: AP

Developing.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijDA5bgxiHlTvS_r-SSjskS1Tq1wD95RMIU82

---

Obama's first executive orders target ethics and transparency

by Ed Duffy, Denver News Examiner

President Obama introduced his first executive orders today. In addition to a senior staff pay freeze, he imposed tough new restrictions on lobbying within his administration. The new rules are aimed at stopping the "revolving door" of lobbyists into and out of the administration. Senior staff will have to recuse themselves from working on anything they've lobbied for in the past two years and may not work in departments they've lobbied in the past two years. In addition, staff members who leave the administration will not be allowed to lobby the administration for as long as President Obama is in office.

The president also stated that the administration will err on the side of transparency with regard to Freedom of Information Act requests. Requests to withhold information will be subject to review and approval by the Justice Department and administration legal counsel.

He also implored staff to take advantage in any way they could, of input and information from the general public. He didn't give specifics, but emphasized the need to get people more involved and more connected to government and to get away from the idea that government has all the answers.

More: http://www.examiner.com/x-1087-Denver-News-Examiner~y2009m1d21-Obamas-first-executive-orders-target-ethics-and-transparency

Vowing transparency, Obama OKs ethics guidelines

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Promising "a new era of openness in our country," President Barack Obama signed executive orders Wednesday relating to ethics guidelines for staff members of his administration.

"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency," Obama said.

From: http://us.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/21/obama.business/index.html

AP: WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama's first public act in office Wednesday was to institute new limits on lobbyists in his White House

==snip==

Obama's new lobbying rules will not only ban aides from trying to influence the administration when they leave his staff. Those already hired will be banned from working on matters they have previously lobbied on, or to approach agencies that they once targeted.

The rules also ban lobbyists from giving gifts of any size to any member of his administration. It wasn't immediately clear whether the ban would include the traditional "previous relationships" clause, allowing gifts from friends or associates with which an employee comes in with strong ties.

The new rules also require that anyone who leaves his administration is not allowed to try to influence former friends and colleagues for at least two years. Obama is requiring all staff to attend to an ethics briefing like one he said he attended last week.

Obama called the rules tighter "than under any other administration in history." They followed pledges during his campaign to be strict about the influence of lobbyist in his White House.

"The new rules on lobbying alone, no matter how tough, are not enough to fix a broken system in Washington," he said. "That's why I'm also setting rules that govern not just lobbyists but all those who have been selected to serve in my administration."

More: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090121/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_executive_pay

[EraOfResponsibility]

1. holy shit...Obama is on it!

[Kashka-Kat]

2. talk about 'hitting the ground running' - yeah!

[Spazito]

3. I just watched his announcement to his staff...

He means serious business, it was VERY impressive, imo!

[Turborama]

6. I saw it too...

It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

[2Design]

8. where did you watch it n/t

[Turborama]

9. It was on CNN just now

I keep refreshing their site, trying to get more details...

[2Design]

10. online versus on tv

[Spazito]

12. I watched it on CNN (television), they covered the whole thing...

I don't think CNN knew, at first, he would be talking about his new ethics and lobbying rules.

[Turborama]

14. Sorry, it was a press conference type of event on TV

[cliffordu]

25. Did you actually see it?

He's serious as a heart attack about this.

Allowing the press in simply seals that fact.

Reducing it to little more than a Bush press stunt stinks like the bullshit your post amounts to.

[Turborama]

32. Yes, I did see it. I had it on 3 different channels.

And why are you saying my post amounts to 'bullshit'?

That's a bit uncalled for.

[cliffordu]

36. He surprised the shit out of the networks by signing those statements after

swearing in the new staff....

Pretty fucking efficient, thorough and presidential.

The networks were there to cover the swearing in, the signing statements limiting the influence of lobbyists was a campaign promise kept.

It's unfortunate you cannot tell the difference.

Post bullshit, I'll call bullshit.

[Turborama]

39. The thing is, I agree with you entirely...

...but I don't know why you're calling my post bullshit?

I was caught by surprise myself, I just turned the TV on and saw it unfold.

All I'm trying to do is share very exciting news with everyone, no need to be so nasty.

[cliffordu]

42. Edited for my own stupidity.

I was mistaken.

I thought you were dissing the whole thing, you were notifying the post you actually responded to that it was in fact on the television....


You have my humble apology for being a dick.

I do that sometimes. I should probably buy some glasses......

[timtom]

122. A tip of the hat

for a gracious apology. I mention this because I find myself doing a similar thing from time to time.

I always duck behind, "Oops. Tee Hee!"

[DUlover2909]

77. It didn't seem to me that the poster was implying it was PR stunt.

What exactly did their post say that made you call BS? Just curious.

[cliffordu]

95. See post 42

[Turborama]

103. Here's the video of the announcement and the Executive Order itself...

"As of today, lobbyists will be subject to stricter limits than under any ... other administration in history," Obama told reporters as he signed the new rules. The restrictions included a ban on gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration.

He also imposed a pay freeze for about 100 White House aides who earn $100,000 or more. Its implementation was unclear, since none of them was on the payroll before Tuesday's noontime inauguration.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTuHgewKn1g

Executive Order -- Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and sections 3301 and 7301 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Ethics Pledge. Every appointee in every executive agency appointed on or after January 20, 2009, shall sign, and upon signing shall be contractually committed to, the following pledge upon becoming an appointee:

"As a condition, and in consideration, of my employment in the United States Government in a position invested with the public trust, I commit myself to the following obligations, which I understand are binding on me and are enforceable under law:

"1. Lobbyist Gift Ban. I will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration of my service as an appointee.

"2. Revolving Door Ban All Appointees Entering Government. I will not for a period of 2 years from the date of my appointment participate in any particular matter involving specific parties that is directly and substantially related to my former employer or former clients, including regulations and contracts.

"3. Revolving Door Ban Lobbyists Entering Government. If I was a registered lobbyist within the 2 years before the date of my appointment, in addition to abiding by the limitations of paragraph 2, I will not for a period of 2 years after the date of my appointment:

(a) participate in any particular matter on which I lobbied within the 2 years before the date of my appointment;

(b) participate in the specific issue area in which that particular matter falls; or

(c) seek or accept employment with any executive agency that I lobbied within the 2 years before the date of my appointment.

"4. Revolving Door Ban Appointees Leaving Government. If, upon my departure from the Government, I am covered by the post employment restrictions on communicating with employees of my former executive agency set forth in section 207(c) of title 18, United States Code, I agree that I will abide by those restrictions for a period of 2 years following the end of my appointment.

"5. Revolving Door Ban Appointees Leaving Government to Lobby. In addition to abiding by the limitations of paragraph 4, I also agree, upon leaving Government service, not to lobby any covered executive branch official or non career Senior Executive Service appointee for the remainder of the Administration.

"6. Employment Qualification Commitment. I agree that any hiring or other employment decisions I make will be based on the candidate's qualifications, competence, and experience.

"7. Assent to Enforcement. I acknowledge that the Executive Order entitled 'Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel,' issued by the President on January 21, 2009, which I have read before signing this document, defines certain of the terms applicable to the foregoing obligations and sets forth the methods for enforcing them. I expressly accept the provisions of that Executive Order as a part of this agreement and as binding on me. I understand that the terms of this pledge are in addition to any statutory or other legal restrictions applicable to me by virtue of Federal Government service."

Continued here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ExecutiveOrder-EthicsCommitments/

[shadowknows69]

104. Day one is looking pretty good.

I feel younger today.

[florida08]

120. thanks for posting link

to video..I missed it.

[dipsydoodle]

23. We had it live

on our TV news here UK believe it or not.

[ogneopasno]

4. The boss is in the house!

[JesterCS]

5. Hehe Did you see the nice jab at Roberts that Biden took

Was funny as hell, but I did notice Obama tap him on the shoulder and shake his head a little, meaning business first :)

[greguganus]

41. I'm glad Obama did that. n/t

[loudsue]

119. What happened??? What did Biden say to/about Roberts??

God it's hard catching up when things are happening so fast!! :applause:

[nyc 4 Biden]

7. Now this is impressive stuff.

[Haole Girl]

11. Wow

I'm very pleased to hear this. :-)

[BattyDem]

13. He's been a better President in 24 hours than * was in 8 years!

He's gettin' it done!

[ItNerd4life]

19. Agreed! This is awesome! nt

[Beetwasher]

60. Indeed!!!!

Good call! :thumbsup:

[Optical.Catalyst]

114. President Obama is laying down the law on the very first day

[bdamomma]

15. Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency," Obama said.

right on President Obama!!!!

[tclambert]

85. of THIS presidency. As opposed to say the previous one.

Bush had a rule about lobbyists in staff positions, too. His rule was you had to be a lobbyist for the industries your agency was supposed to regulate, also stated as "Only foxes are allowed to guard hen houses."

And the Bush rule of law was "Whatever Bush rules, that's the law. And the Justice Department's job is to find a way to justify it."

[ProfessorGAC]

88. "If The President Does It, . . ."

it's not against the law! Said by a famous contender for worst president ever!
GAC

[Raksha]

107. Yeah, stated by one of the more notorious runners-up,

who I am old enough to remember very well.

[Joe Chi Minh]

16. Let's hope the truths in this exceptional article on CommonDreams

are in Obama's DNA. He gives that impression with his concern for the public's concerns, doesn't he?

[Joe Chi Minh]

115. Anyway, hasn't he got good Irish rebel, anti-Establishment blood in his

veins!

[lurky]

17. Hell yeah!!! And FOIA reform too!

This is what I voted for. :headbang:

[Auggie]

18. "Transparency and the rule of law" -- that's not change, that's revolution

[lanlady]

74. so true!

n/t

[meow2u3]

20. Campaign promise #1 kept

Honesty has officially returned to Washington :bounce: :patriot:

[Jefferson23]

21. What a wonderful day this has been, and it's only 2:30 EST, lol

WAY TO GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!

[Baby Snooks]

22. Now if he can get rid of the lobbyists in Congress...

This is a step in the right direction. But as long as the lobbyists control Congress the special interests the lobbyists represent will still prevail over the public interest of the people.

No offense but it sounds like we have a White House full of lobbyists. Of course at this point I guess that is all you have in Washington. When they're not working for someone in Congress, they're lobbying the people they worked for. Or will work for. Or want to work for.

[AllyCat]

28. I'm with you on this one. Congress is, to me, unapproachable

as they only seem to listen to big money lobbies.

[Hippo_Tron]

97. He can't really do much about Congress given the separation of powers

But the fact that we won't have secret energy legislation written by lobbyists anymore is a good step in the right direction.

[Fedja]

113. Leading by example

Pretty much the only way to get anything done. While he can't directly do much to the Congress, he can help reintroduce some moral standards to the society. The next election issues just might be a bit more relevant than what we're used to.

[HEyHEY]

24. Methinks some dastardly cocks will be getting nervous now!

[Still Sensible]

53. Nervous and flaccid

[xxqqqzme]

26. 'The Rule of Law' is back.

What a relief! Eight years of frat boy pranks and MBA bullshit, we have educated lawyers again who understand its importance, significance and history.

[AllyCat]

27. I had this horrible nightmare. There was this war criminal in the WH

and he did all kinds of horrible, nasty things. Boy was I glad to wake up and find a real leader at the helm!

[tclambert]

86. Wow, was that a long nap!

Eight Rip Van Winkle years.

[Turborama]

29. Times Online (UK): President Obama ushers in new era of openness in 'People's White House'

Nico Hines

Barack Obama today announced a pay freeze for all senior White House staff as he issued a series of directives and executive orders to extend openness and introduce new ethical codes for what he called the “People’s House”.

“For a long time now there’s been too much secrecy in this city. The old rules said that if there was a defensible argument for not disclosing something to the American people, then it should not be disclosed,” he said. “That era is now over.”

The President also issued an executive order on ethics – restricting the access of lobbyists in the White House. “As of today lobbyists will be subject to stricter limits than in any period of history,” he said.

Lobbyists will not be allowed to work for the government in any related field for two years after leaving the profession and Administration staff that leave their posts will be banned from taking up lobbyist positions for the duration of President Obama’s presidency. Administration staff will be barred from accepting any gifts from lobbyists.

President Obama also said that he would no longer have the final word in denying Freedom of Information requests or making decisions over whether to make something public.

“I will also hold myself as president to a new standard of openness," he said. “Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.”

The President was speaking as his senior staffers were sworn in by Joe Biden, the Vice President, at a ceremony in the White House. Mr Biden asked for someone to pass him the words of the oath before he spoke.

“My memory is not as good as Justice Roberts,” he joked after John Roberts, the US Chief Justice fluffed his lines during President Obama’s oath yesterday.

From: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5562494.ece

[notadmblnd]

30. I wish I had had this uinfo this morning.

I was talking to a puke who claimed he was an independent (somehow they all seem to be independent these days) and was telling him, that until they do something about lobbyists in DC; nothing was going to change. He did give Obama a compliment however, he said: If Obama does 1/3 of what he says he is going to do. He will the messiah in his book.

[Reader Rabbit]

31. Oh, hell yeah!

Kick ass, President Obama!

[Le Taz Hot]

33. As one who was pretty vociferous in my criticism

of his cabinet (I'm still not happy with them), I have to say this is wonderful news. I'll still be watching him closely to see if he continues on this path but so far, so good.

[paparush]

34. But . . but . . but . . where will we be without deep pocket, heckuva job, cronyism?

:sarcasm:

[prostock69]

35. Oh my, oh my, oh my. The change is coming.

I was stunned, elated, and giddy! I had to pause it, rewind it on my DVR, go upstairs and get up husband out of bed so he could watch it. We are so impressed with how Obama handles himself. I could watch and listen to him all day. No only does he speak coherently, but he acts and walks like an adult, not some cocky frat boy trying to impress everyone. He's gracious, conscientious, considerate, INTELLIGENT, honest, sincere.....I could go on and on. Wow, what a change! It's like a dream come true. Not having to see Bush's face anymore listening to "minsunderestimate" his ability mispronounce words is AWESOME.

Hopefully congress will look at the example Obama has made and follow suit. It's up to us to the pressure on Congress to change. I'm writing letters tonight.

[DUlover2909]

78. Yeah I feel ya. My sentiments exactly.

This gentleman Obama just oozes competence. It's funny how transparency and openness are easy when you're not a criminal and have nothing to hide.

[closeupready]

37. This is very good. I hope this kind of stuff continues.

:)

[madmax]

38. This man is ssssssmooookin!!!

I can't believe it!! If he can only do half of what he wants to do and what he's talked about I for one would consider his Presidency a raging success!!!

[Generator]

40. The dude has done more right in 12 hours than Bush

did in eight years.

[Bragi]

43. How will this look in a couple of years?

All the populist fervor aside, I'm not sure this is a wise move.

If you keep salaries low, and limit what people can do post-employment, then I think what hapopens is that a lot of high-end talent becomes less interested in working in the WH.

I have no stake in this, but I'm thinking that his administration may be trading in 24 hours of good headlines for staffing problems down the road.

- B

[amitten]

45. Anyone worth having would gladly give up a few thousand in

salary for the honor of serving in this administration.

If you ask me, it weeds out the less ethical people who are in it for the money and not the country.

[defendandprotect]

56. Yes -- agree.

[Strathos]

62. Exactly. If the pay isn't incredibly high, I think those that WANT to do the job

Will be on the job. Too many times jobs are taken because of the salary potential and not because of the work being offered. I've always said that if Pastors had to work for a living (a 40 hour job) and preach, you'd have fewer preachers in the world.

[Spazito]

48. I disagree...

His staff all agreed to this before the announcement. They knew BEFORE they accepted their positions. He will have staff dedicated to helping him succeed rather than climbing the salary ladder or preparing the ground for a lobbying job once they leave.

[Bragi]

57. I know that's the theory

But the real impact will be down the road when it becomes harder to attract high-end talent. It is a fact that many of the best and the brightest he needs to attract do not have an aversion to climbing the salary ladder, or to eventually going into lobbying.

As I think you may know, these kind of rules have been in place in Harper's administration here in Canada. The result is, far as I can tell, the Cons probably have the weakest staff contingent of any government ever in Ottawa.

- B

[Lordquinton]

67. Skilled people

Like the former head of FEMA?

[Zhade]

82. It's also a fact that many, many of the best and brightest AREN'T in it for the money.

I know, a strange concept in this country, but still true.

[Spazito]

83. Actually, harper relaxed the rules....

they are nowhere as stringent as these will be. The cons have weak staff because harper is a control freak and will not allow his staff to do anything of substance without his micro-management.

[defendandprotect]

55. Since when are these salaries "low" . . ? Congress just increased its salary . ..

which flows thru the Supreme Court and other areas of government, if I recall correctly!/?

We've had high salaries for decades now and we've picked up nothing but crooks and criminals

in our employment!!!

[RoccoR5955]

69. Sorry to break it to you, but money is NOT everything. n/t

[DainBramaged]

84. He wants people with CONVICTION not capitalism as their mantra

I guess you don't get that

[Hippo_Tron]

98. The freeze is only on the senior staff

And while they do get paid comparatively less than they can make in the private sector, they still make enough to get by. And even with the ban on lobbying the White House, they are still plenty marketable for six and seven figure jobs once they are done working in the administration.

People who are on the White House senior staff don't do it for the money, they do it for the honor and the glamor. If he were freezing civil service pay then I would be concerned. But it's just the White House senior staff.

[The Doctor.]

101. How'd that high pay rate work for 'Brownie'.

Case in point.

[johnlucas]

44. Obama is Real

I feel silly for ever doubting him.
This is the President I have dreamed about all of my 32 years of life.

Honest, accountable, intelligent, compassionate, strategic, and capable.
The next 4 years will make up for the last 8 in spades...in clubs, diamonds, hearts. ALL the suits!

President Barack Hussein Obama II (2009-2017).
He is real. The People's President here at last!
John Lucas

[DUlover2909]

80. It's ok. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Historic NY]

106. You are right...a new birth of freedom with a more open & honest government

who would have thought.

Welcome to DU.

[George II]

46. The man is going to shock America back to responsible and ethical behavior, about time!!

[hughee99]

47. Bookmarking...

It's a great idea, but I suspect not everyone in his administration has his integrity. I predict that someone in his administration (at some level) will not follow these rules. I'm wondering if they will be made an example of, or if they'll be able to get away with the old "I had no idea what I was doing was wrong" excuse. I hope Obama makes a point early on of strictly enforcing his rules, because they sound, to me, like pretty good rules.

[EnviroBat]

49. Holy Shit! Now THAT IS A PRESIDENT!

I can just hear the repukes vomiting all over themselves! So Long lobbyists! So long special interests buying government at the source! We finally have representation and leadership in Washington from day one. I'm so happy. This is what we fought so hard for, and we've won!

[groovedaddy]

50. Here here! Hip Hip Hooray! n.t

[Juneboarder]

51. Takin' Care of Business...

It's like I'm still living in a dream world; but this is all REALLY happening. It's truly a "fresh of breath air" as Sentor McCain would say.

I was driving to work this morning and had on 91.1 (91X) here in San Diego; a very right wing Clear Channel. Again, I couldn't believe what I was hearing because the DJ's were bashing Bush and Cheney left and right and couldn't stop talking about the boo's and hisses coming from the crowd yesterday. It's like our country and its attitude has made a complete change for the better and I'm so freaking excited.

I'm truly proud to be an American once again!! :)

[8 track mind]

52. Hee Hee Hee! These next 8 years are gonna be fun!!!!! n/t

(edited for proper time)

[defendandprotect]

54. I'm cheersing --- thanks, Obama--!!! Signing Statements next, please-!!!!

Actually, Signing Statements should have been handled by Congress ---

It's their responsonsibility to ensure that the legislation they pass is carried

out with the intent and spirit with which they passed it.

[Sebastian Doyle]

58. So who's going to be Secretary of Agriculture then?

Because he just disqualified VilSuck.

[Odin2005]

59. The Revolution is being televised, live!

:woohoo:

[katty]

61. wow!!

[NeedleCast]

63. Sadly, if this is the ONLY thing Obama does during his presidency

He'll still have done a better job that Bush.

[Cronopio]

71. If Obama were to do nothing for 4 years, he still will have done a better job than Bush.

Fortunately, today negates that possibility.

[humbled_opinion]

64. He is taking the country back for us.....

WE are all part of this history, man its truly emotional after what this country has been through these last 8 years.

[8 track mind]

65. wow....

I didn't think i would ever say this, but i'm proud to be an American once again.

[ProfessorGAC]

66. It's Official: There's A New Sheriff In Town

No kidding. Talk about doing the right thing.
GAC

[Yukari Yakumo]

68. Obama does what McSame wouldn't {nt}

[Cronopio]

70. No buyers remorse here. This is something that will ...

... impress quite a few libertarians and conservatives that have called for this to be done.

Well done so far, President Obama.

Edit: Added the "President". He's actually earned the title today.

[azmesa207]

72. No Surprise

This does not surprise me it what I expected of him it is a breath of fresh air but only seem big because how dishonest the Bush Administration was . We now have a honest man in office .

[lanlady]

73. the rehabilitation of FOIA, wow!!

The Busheviks hated FOIA so much, they did everything in their powers to undermine it and make it near-impossible for Federal agencies to act on FOIA requests in a timely and responsive manner.

Obama really gets it! Without strong support for FOIA, there can be no transparency in government.

[Joanne98]

90. That's really good news. We needed that!

[Turborama]

108. Executive Order -- Presidential Records

This is the other Executive Order that's on the W.H. website right now...

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish policies and procedures governing the assertion of executive privilege by incumbent and former Presidents in connection with the release of Presidential records by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) pursuant to the Presidential Records Act of 1978, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of this order:

(a) "Archivist" refers to the Archivist of the United States or his designee.

(b) "NARA" refers to the National Archives and Records Administration.

(c) "Presidential Records Act" refers to the Presidential Records Act, 44 U.S.C. 2201-2207.

(d) "NARA regulations" refers to the NARA regulations implementing the Presidential Records Act, 36 C.F.R. Part 1270.

(e) "Presidential records" refers to those documentary materials maintained by NARA pursuant to the Presidential Records Act, including Vice Presidential records.

(f) "Former President" refers to the former President during whose term or terms of office particular Presidential records were created.

(g) A "substantial question of executive privilege" exists if NARA's disclosure of Presidential records might impair national security (including the conduct of foreign relations), law enforcement, or the deliberative processes of the executive branch.

(h) A "final court order" is a court order from which no appeal may be taken.

Sec. 2. Notice of Intent to Disclose Presidential Records.

(a) When the Archivist provides notice to the incumbent and former Presidents of his intent to disclose Presidential records pursuant to section 1270.46 of the NARA regulations, the Archivist, using any guidelines provided by the incumbent and former Presidents, shall identify any specific materials, the disclosure of which he believes may raise a substantial question of executive privilege. However, nothing in this order is intended to affect the right of the incumbent or former Presidents to invoke executive privilege with respect to materials not identified by the Archivist. Copies of the notice for the incumbent President shall be delivered to the President (through the Counsel to the President) and the Attorney General (through the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel). The copy of the notice for the former President shall be delivered to the former President or his designated representative.

(b) Upon the passage of 30 days after receipt by the incumbent and former Presidents of a notice of intent to disclose Presidential records, the Archivist may disclose the records covered by the notice, unless during that time period the Archivist has received a claim of executive privilege by the incumbent or former President or the Archivist has been instructed by the incumbent President or his designee to extend the time period for a time certain and with reason for the extension of time provided in the notice. If a shorter period of time is required under the circumstances set forth in section 1270.44 of the NARA regulations, the Archivist shall so indicate in the notice.

Sec. 3. Claim of Executive Privilege by Incumbent President.

(a) Upon receipt of a notice of intent to disclose Presidential records, the Attorney General (directly or through the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel) and the Counsel to the President shall review as they deem appropriate the records covered by the notice and consult with each other, the Archivist, and such other executive agencies as they deem appropriate concerning whether invocation of executive privilege is justified.

(b) The Attorney General and the Counsel to the President, in the exercise of their discretion and after appropriate review and consultation under subsection (a) of this section, may jointly determine that invocation of executive privilege is not justified. The Archivist shall be notified promptly of any such determination.

(c) If either the Attorney General or the Counsel to the President believes that the circumstances justify invocation of executive privilege, the issue shall be presented to the President by the Counsel to the President and the Attorney General.

(d) If the President decides to invoke executive privilege, the Counsel to the President shall notify the former President, the Archivist, and the Attorney General in writing of the claim of privilege and the specific Presidential records to which it relates. After receiving such notice, the Archivist shall not disclose the privileged records unless directed to do so by an incumbent President or by a final court order.

Sec. 4. Claim of Executive Privilege by Former President.

(a) Upon receipt of a claim of executive privilege by a living former President, the Archivist shall consult with the Attorney General (through the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel), the Counsel to the President, and such other executive agencies as the Archivist deems appropriate concerning the Archivist's determination as to whether to honor the former President's claim of privilege or instead to disclose the Presidential records notwithstanding the claim of privilege. Any determination under section 3 of this order that executive privilege shall not be invoked by the incumbent President shall not prejudice the Archivist's determination with respect to the former President's claim of privilege.

(b) In making the determination referred to in subsection (a) of this section, the Archivist shall abide by any instructions given him by the incumbent President or his designee unless otherwise directed by a final court order. The Archivist shall notify the incumbent and former Presidents of his determination at least 30 days prior to disclosure of the Presidential records, unless a shorter time period is required in the circumstances set forth in section 1270.44 of the NARA regulations. Copies of the notice for the incumbent President shall be delivered to the President (through the Counsel to the President) and the Attorney General (through the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel). The copy of the notice for the former President shall be delivered to the former President or his designated representative.

Continued: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ExecutiveOrderPresidentialRecords/

[dana_b]

75. he's done more good in 1 day than Bush did in

oh, I don't know, months? a year? years?

VERY excited by this!

[justabob]

76. what a difference a day makes

It is so nice to read that the government is not going to be used as a tool for the big corporations, and multinationals. It is refreshing to say the least to see the government being opened up again for the benefit of the People. This is a great first step.

[Imagevision]

79. Obama; " everyday I take the American people with me when Ienter the Oval Office...

[DainBramaged]

81. "He also implored staff to take advantage in any way they could, of input and information from the

general public"

Sweet Jesus, the man is da bomb!!!!!!!!!

[fascisthunter]

87. very cool

[GoddessOfGuinness]

89. After eight years of flipping the bird every time I drove past the White House

It's going to be so nice to smile and wave as I pass.

[KakistocracyHater]

91. It feels like a tremendous weight lifted off

nicely done, quick. Hopefully, having seen far too much yuckiness, I mistakenly thought he was "just talking", because he is obviously now "doing".


For real.

Unlike Bush.

[happygoluckytoyou]

92. "ethics....government... ethics....government... ethics....government... i dont get it"... GWB

[pinto]

93. kick

:kick:

[Dragonfli]

94. K&R Excellent Work! A Very Good Beginning.

I am beginning to allow myself hope regarding single payer health-care and issues of equal justice (none above the law) and equal liberties (no separate "special" status for any).

These are issues that can only advance if debated in an environment of transparency with less corporate/lobbyist influence. I see moves in that direction rather than just words.

I am very encouraged and shall be paying very close attention indeed to the next 100 days.

[chill_wind]

96. YAY!!

And this---

"He also implored staff to take advantage in any way they could, of input and information from the general public. He didn't give specifics, but emphasized the need to get people more involved and more connected to government and to get away from the idea that government has all the answers."

Long live the netroots.

[natrat]

99. and once again that pathetic old scumbag reid defends lobbyists,what a dick

[kmdemqueen]

100. He is already making us proud.

Glad to be an American today.

[whistle]

102. Excellent, can do away with lobbyists

[DissedByBush]

105. Does this include working for industries in a legal capacity?

He tapped the RIAA's favorite hit lawyer for a top DOJ post.

Otherwise this sounds great.

[lonestarnot]

109. Ha Cha Cha! Wootie woot woot!

:bounce: :loveya:

[wroberts189]

110. This guy continues to utterly amaze me. Good Job Obama. n/t

[chknltl]

111. I voted for that man!

I was filled with pride for my nation all day after the inauguration. One day later, I am still filled with pride and now I am fairly confident that we got us a real good one here gang!
KnR

[Lorien]

112. Great news!

he's got his work cut out for him. The FDA alone (though not included in this particular reform) is staffed almost entirely by former industry lobbyists-especially those from Monsanto. The entire government needs a major house cleaning after eight years of BushCo!

[Centered]

116. Excellent first step

Keep it up Mr. President!!!

[lisainmilo]

117. A great START!

Proving his leadership skills and the ability to govern this nation, he is truly bringing the government back to "we the people", stay involved!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

[BREMPRO]

118. this is what we've been waiting for, America has a chance to meet its ideal promise!

The people's house!

[Kajsa]

121. Change is Here!