It’s a story that has been all too familiar in recent years. Yet another instance of classified documents being found in the possession of a high-ranking government official. But this time, it’s not a Democrat. It’s former Vice President Mike Pence.
On Tuesday, Pence informed Congress that he had discovered documents bearing classified markings from his time as Vice President in his Carmel, Indiana home on January 16th.
In light of the recent revelations that classified documents from President Joe Biden’s tenure as Vice President were found at the Penn Biden Center think tank and Wilmington, Delaware, Pence’s team conducted searches of his Indiana home and the office of his political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom.
According to his team, Pence informed the National Archives on January 18th that a small number of potential classified documents were found in two small boxes. Another two boxes contained copies of Vice Presidential papers. The National Archives then informed the FBI, per standard procedure.
Pence’s team said that although the documents bear classified markings, the Department of Justice or the agency that issued the documents will need to make a final determination on whether the documents are considered classified or not.
The House Oversight Committee has confirmed that Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., was notified by Pence’s team on Tuesday regarding the discovery of classified documents in his personal residence.
“Former Vice President Mike Pence reached out today about classified documents found at his home in Indiana,” Comer said in a statement. “He has agreed to fully cooperate with congressional oversight and any questions we have about the matter.
Former Vice President Pence’s transparency stands in stark contrast to the Biden White House staff who continue to withhold information from Congress and the American people.”
It’s clear that Pence is taking the appropriate steps to ensure that these documents are handled in a responsible and transparent manner.
Unlike the current administration, who seem content to keep information from the American people, Pence is being upfront and cooperative with Congress. It’s time for the Biden White House to follow suit and be transparent with the American people.