Congressional Oversight (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Report Number |
97-936 |
| Authors |
L. Elaine Halchin, Specialist in American National Government; Frederick M. Kaiser, Visiting Scholar |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Congressional oversight of policy implementation and administration has occurred throughout the history of the United States government under the Constitution. Oversightâthe review, monitoring, and supervision of operations and activitiesâtakes a variety of forms and utilizes various techniques. These range from specialized investigations by select committees to annual appropriations hearings, and from informal communications between Members or congressional staff and executive personnel to the use of extra-congressional mechanisms, such as offices of inspector general and study commissions. Oversight, moreover, is supported by a variety of authoritiesâthe Constitution, public law, and chamber and committee rulesâand is an integral part of the system of checks and balances between the legislative and executive branches. This report will be updated as events require.
