January 6th Panel Alerts White House about Anonymous Witnesses

Daniel ChaitinJanuary 2, 2023

The House January 6 Committee warned that the White House could not protect the confidentiality of certain witnesses in one of its last acts.

Chairman Bennie Thompson (D–MS) and Vice Chairwoman Liz Cheney, (R-WY), wrote to Richard Sauber (special counsel to President Joe Biden), to say they were in agreement. “fully share” You can find more information at “concern for the safety, security, and reputations” As the panel disintegrates, the witnesses are removed and the House is retaken by the Republicans.

Their letter, dated Dec. 30, says the committee entered into an agreement with Sauber’s office to make available “personnel” They then provided the care. “important information” The panel. Any other identifiable information is deleted in the public version of the letter.

The committee agreed to this arrangement. “would do its utmost” To protect identities, the panel is now closed as of the first week in January 2023. “will no longer exercise control of this material, and thus cannot ensure enforcement of the commitment to maintain the confidentiality of the identity of witnesses,” The letter includes.

After more than a year of investigation into the Capitol riot and the 2020 results, the January 6 Committee was formed last month. released its final report, recommended charges Against former President Donald Trump released dozens of witness materials. The panel published the “vast majority” Access online transcripts of witnesses per Thompson and Cheney.

The House members will vote on Tuesday to elect the next speaker. Kevin McCarthy (Republican-California) is in a strong position to win. struggled to lock in All votes that guarantee a simple majority

McCarthy is trying to win GOP holdovers while McCarthy unveiled a rules package The upcoming Congress will need the “quick transfer of records” From the January 6th Committee to House Administration Committee. McCarthy is one of many House Republicans that the January 6 Committee recommended. ethics sanctions After defying the subpoenas.

Thompson and Cheney wrote to the White House stating that official records of the committee would be archived and will come under the control National Archives according to House rules. Transcripts are also being provided in the letter. “appropriate review, timely return, and designation of instructions for proper handling by the National Archives.”

“During your review, we recommend that [redacted] provide for the official file that will reside with the Archives any necessary written guidance regarding the need for limitations on release or other sensitivities,” According to the letter. “Our expectation is that the transcripts with such instructions will become part of the historical record of our investigation maintained by the National Archives.”

The January 6 Committee sent an email similar letter To the general counsel of Homeland Security Department concerning the Secret Service agents and their operations. This letter is available in its entirety.