Media Alert February 18, 2005 Bush Presidential Records to be Released WHAT: Approximately 9,700 pages of George H.W. Bush Presidential records that were previously withheld under the Presidential Records Act restrictions for appointments to federal office and/or confidential advice are now open for research. These records are no longer subject to the Presidential restrictive categories or any applicable Freedom of Information Act exemptions. This is the first segment of records that the National Archives and Records Administration is releasing. In accordance with Executive Order 13233, representatives of former President Bush and incumbent President Bush have chosen not to assert any constitutionally-based privilege. This opening consists of records from the White House Office of Records Management Subject Files and Staff Member Office Files. The Bush Library has opened approximately 5.4 million pages of records from the Executive Office of the President. These materials were previously reviewed under the Presidential Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act. The Bush Library is continuing to review previously withheld records for possible release, and currently estimates that such records will total approximately 57,000 pages. The Library will make these records available on an on-going basis, once notice has been given and a decision has been made by the Presidential representatives not to assert any constitutionally-based privilege. Check the Bush Library website for updates, at: www.archives.gov/presidential_libraries/ WHERE: The Research Room The George Bush Library 1000 George Bush Drive West College Station, TX 77842-0410 For archival inquiries, call: 979-691-4041 WHEN: 9 A.M. Friday, February 18, 2005 * * * For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-501-5526. 05-40