Presidential and Federal Records: Transition Considerations (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
July 30, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12722 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Meghan M. Stuessy |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
At the conclusion of a presidency, both the President and
the Administration have likely generated millions of
government records that document the actions and
decisionmaking processes of the executive branch and may
be of long-term interest to Congress, federal agencies,
incoming Presidents, researchers, and members of the
general public.
Preservation of these materials is guided by two key laws.
The Presidential Records Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. §§2201-
2209) governs materials created by the President and
certain components of the Executive Office of the
President. The Federal Records Act (FRA; 44 U.S.C.
Chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33) governs materials created by
agencies. The National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) and its head, the Archivist of the
United States, provide a supporting role in the case of
presidential records and a coordinating and directing role in
the case of federal records. This In Focus provides an
overview of the definitions of presidential records and
federal records, presidential and agency records
management programs, and NARA’s role in records
management.
