Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul, the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has formally requested that Secretary of State Antony Blinken ensure the preservation of all documents related to the Global Engagement Center. This request comes amid an investigation into whether the center's funding and activities may have violated First Amendment rights.

Senator Paul's letter emphasizes the importance of retaining these records due to the impending termination of the Global Engagement Center. He noted that both Secretary Blinken and Department of State employees are legally obligated under federal law, including the Federal Records Act, to adhere to document retention and preservation requirements.

The letter urges that "DOS should take all necessary steps to prevent the destruction, alteration, or deletion of all relevant documents, communications, or other information," covering both physical and electronic records. This includes metadata and digital information from official or personal accounts or devices.

Paul also reminded Secretary Blinken about compliance with federal laws on document retention. Any unlawful removal or destruction must be reported with assistance from the National Archivist to the Attorney General, with criminal penalties for those found guilty.

"I appreciate your attention to this important matter," Paul concluded in his communication.