The Power to Investigate

The Investigation Process Standing or select committees can

investigate Investigations can lead to▪ New laws to deal

with a problem▪ Reforms in a

government program▪ Officials being fired

The Power to Investigate

Rights of Congressional Witnesses Subpoena – legal order to appear or

produce documents Perjury – lying under oath Contempt – obstructing the work of the

investigation Grant immunity to those testifying

Legislative Oversight

Power to review executive branch activities Congress can check to see how executive

branch is enforcing their laws“Pass It and Forget It Lawmaking”

Lawmakers do not have enough staff, time, or funds

Oversight does not win votes Legislation is too vague Committees favor the agencies they are to

oversee

Congressional Investigations and Oversight