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Congress’s oversight authority derives from its "implied" powers in the Constitution, public laws, and House and Senate rules. It is an integral part of the American system of checks and balances. Some scholars have questioned the efficacy of congressional oversight in ensuring bureaucratic performance and compliance with law. [2]
Through congressional acts, the legislative branch has the power to curb bureaucratic drift. [17] [18] Such regulation can take the form of statutory control or congressional oversight. [18] [19] Through statutory control, Congress aims to limit bureaucratic drift before it occurs by exerting influence over the organization of a bureaucracy.
Obstructing the work of Congress is a crime under federal law, and is known as contempt of Congress. Each house of Congress has the power to cite individuals for contempt, but may not impose any punishment. Instead, after a house issues a contempt citation, the judicial system pursues the matter like a normal criminal case.
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the main investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives.The committee's broad jurisdiction and legislative authority make it one of the most influential and powerful panels in the House.
Congressional Directory: Main Page, Government Printing Office Online. Detailed listings of many aspects of previous memberships and sessions of Congress. Committees of the U.S. Congress. Congress.gov. Library of Congress. U.S. Congressional Biographical Dictionary; House Committee Repository
Hearings also ensure that the executive branch's execution goes with legislative intent, while administrative policies reflect the public interest. Oversight hearings often seek to improve the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of government operations. A significant part of a committee's hearings workload is dedicated to oversight.
This is a complete list of U.S. congressional committees (standing committees and select or special committees) that are operating in the United States Senate. Senators can be a member of more than one committee. Senate Committee on Rules & Administration (1995)
Committees also provide oversight of federal agencies and programs. The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 greatly reduced the number of committees. The membership of each committee is adopted at the beginning of each Congress, usually by adoption of a formal resolution.