The American Spectator

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has requested that the Obama administration release documents related to its closed door negotiations with special interest groups during its push for national health care.

Republicans vowed to use their oversight power if they took the majority, and requesting documents is one part of that ongoing process, which has also included hearings.

The letter was addressed to Nancy-Ann De Parle, the current White House deputy chief of staff, who had previously served as the director of the White House Office for Health Reform during the administration’s health care push.

Specifically, Republicans are requesting 1) A list of all represenatives or officials of the White House office 2) A list of all meetings, briefings and phone calls 3) “All notes, minutes, transcripts, documents, summaries, or any other written or recorded materials” related to those meetings and 4) “All written communications, including e-mail, regarding reforms or changes to the health care system” between WHOHR representatives and outside groups.

During the health care debate, the administration was criticized for its lack of transparency as it held private meetings to cut deals with drug makers, insurers, unions and other outside groups.

The letter was signed by Energy and Commerce committee chairman Rep. Fred Upton, chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, Rep. Cliff Stearns, chiarman of the health subcommittee, Joe Pitts, and vice chairman of the health subcomittee, Rep. Michael Burgess.

You can read the full letter here.