Congressional Investigating Committees PDF Download

Congressional investigations have a special role in the history and the life of our government. In addition to informing Congress, so as to best accomplish its task of developing legislation, monitoring the implementation of public policy, and of disclosing to the public how its government is performing, the inquisitorial process also sustains and vindicates Congress' role in our constitutional scheme of cheques and balances. While they are only investigations, the high profile nature of many, including the failed St. Clair expedition of 1792 through Teapot Dome, Watergate, Iran-Contra and Whitewater has established in law and practice, the nature and contours of congressional prerogatives necessary to maintain the integrity of the legislative role in the government. This book thoroughly highlights the more common legal, procedural and practical issues, questions and problems that committees have faced in the course of an investigation. Problems of investigating the executive branch are detailed, with the focal point being the claim of the presidential executive privilege, and the problem of accessing information with respect to open or closed civil or criminal investigative matters. Various other issues are also touched and described.