GOP pushes back on Solyndra records

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. lawmakers said they're entitled to see internal White House documents regarding the loan for bankrupt Solyndra unless the president clearly says otherwise.

Members of the Republican-led House of Representatives are investigating the $535 million loan guarantee for California solar panel company Solyndra. The company was touted as the centerpiece of U.S. President Barak Obama's green energy initiative, but later had its offices raided by the FBI after filing for bankruptcy.

U.S. Reps. Fred Upton, R-Mich., chairman of the House energy and commerce committee, and Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of an investigative subcommittee, told White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler they should have full access to internal White House documents regarding Solyndra.

Ruemmler suggested in an earlier exchange the documents were protected by certain presidential privileges.

"In your letter you make a vague reference to your concerns regarding the confidentiality of Executive Branch documents," the Republican's letter read. "However, unless the president actually asserts a valid claim of executive privilege, the committee is entitled to the documents responsive to its request."

Ruemmler stated earlier the Obama administration has handed over more than 900 pages of documents related to Solyndra.