In August, President Biden nominated Dr. Colleen Joy Shogan as the 11th Archivist of the United States to succeed David S. Ferriero who retired earlier this year. Dr. Shogan would be the first political scientist to serve as Archivist. The position requires Senate confirmation.
In September, Dr. Shogan appeared before the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) in accordance with the Senate’s advice and consent capacity for presidential appointments. One week later, the Committee, which is currently evenly divided 7-7 reflecting the Senate’s 50-50 split, voted on Dr. Shogan’s nomination and deadlocked along party lines. This has complicated the AOTUS appointment process, but it does not mean the process is at the end of the road. HSGAC Chair Gary Peters has said that he will work with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to move the nomination forward for a vote in the full Senate.
We are pressing for the Senate to confirm Dr. Shogan's nomination before the end of the current Congress. Otherwise, it could be delayed next year. It's vital that we have a permanent Archives of the United States in place at this critical time in our nation's history.
Tell your Senators to support Dr. Shogan’s nomination. The National Coalition for History has created an alert to easily send a message to your two US Senators. The system allows you to personalize your email to include your background and interest in Dr. Shogan's confirmation before sending.
Urge your Senators to confirm Dr. Shogan as the next Archivist of the United States.------------------------------
SAA Headquarters
Society of American Archivists
Chicago IL
saahq@archivists.org------------------------------