How effectively does Congress perform its oversight role?
Area 1: Constitution
Power of the purse – united gvt underuses it e.g. Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act large corporate cuts
- Abuse of scrutiny – gvt shutdowns 2017/2018, Obama’s led to downgrading of US debt.
Underuse of passing legislation – Patriot Act 28 days
- Abuse of power, Obama couldn’t pass much last 6 years “one term president” McConnell.
Senate confirmations – underuse Scott Pruitt climate change denier head of EPA
- Abuse Merick Garland blocked for SC (refused to hold vote)
Impeachment – Trump acquitted GOP refused to hear testimony – hyper partisanship
Vetoes – 2/3 in each house only 1 of 12 Obama overturned. 1 of 10 Trump overturned.
Military – didn’t ask for permission in Libya, ignored time limit of War Powers Act 1973. Trump didn’t
ask for permission on Soleimani.
But
Power of the Purse – Bush requested $650m from Pelosi and gave $300m instead
Impeachment - 5 GOP voted against Trump (Romney, Collins, Murkowski, Sasse and Toomey)
Legislation – just 3% of bills enacted in 117 th even with Dem control
Vetoes – important ones still get overturned Justice for Sponsors Against Terrorism Act
Military – Trump informed Congress of Soleimani after kill. Since War Powers Act, 132 reports to
Congress have been made – increases clarity.
Area 2: Investigations
Russia investigation committee lost legitimacy and didn’t probe – FBI had to investigate w special
council. House Intelligence Committee Chair Davin Nunes (Rep) visited the White House to inform
Trump.
Trump’s impeachment undermined by refusals to testify – former NSA John Bolton.
Ohio Rep Jim Jordan refuse to cooperate w/ House select committee on Jan 6. Aso Steve Bannon.
But
House Intelligence Committee Ukraine Dem control vs Rusia Inv year before.
Even united gvt can provide oversight – Trump failed x2 repeal Obamacare due to GOP rebels.
Covid – 30% congressional oversight letters + 40% hearings on pandemic response. – Subcommittee
on Coronavirus Crisis. Had 5 Republicans on it.
Area 1: Constitution
Power of the purse – united gvt underuses it e.g. Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act large corporate cuts
- Abuse of scrutiny – gvt shutdowns 2017/2018, Obama’s led to downgrading of US debt.
Underuse of passing legislation – Patriot Act 28 days
- Abuse of power, Obama couldn’t pass much last 6 years “one term president” McConnell.
Senate confirmations – underuse Scott Pruitt climate change denier head of EPA
- Abuse Merick Garland blocked for SC (refused to hold vote)
Impeachment – Trump acquitted GOP refused to hear testimony – hyper partisanship
Vetoes – 2/3 in each house only 1 of 12 Obama overturned. 1 of 10 Trump overturned.
Military – didn’t ask for permission in Libya, ignored time limit of War Powers Act 1973. Trump didn’t
ask for permission on Soleimani.
But
Power of the Purse – Bush requested $650m from Pelosi and gave $300m instead
Impeachment - 5 GOP voted against Trump (Romney, Collins, Murkowski, Sasse and Toomey)
Legislation – just 3% of bills enacted in 117 th even with Dem control
Vetoes – important ones still get overturned Justice for Sponsors Against Terrorism Act
Military – Trump informed Congress of Soleimani after kill. Since War Powers Act, 132 reports to
Congress have been made – increases clarity.
Area 2: Investigations
Russia investigation committee lost legitimacy and didn’t probe – FBI had to investigate w special
council. House Intelligence Committee Chair Davin Nunes (Rep) visited the White House to inform
Trump.
Trump’s impeachment undermined by refusals to testify – former NSA John Bolton.
Ohio Rep Jim Jordan refuse to cooperate w/ House select committee on Jan 6. Aso Steve Bannon.
But
House Intelligence Committee Ukraine Dem control vs Rusia Inv year before.
Even united gvt can provide oversight – Trump failed x2 repeal Obamacare due to GOP rebels.
Covid – 30% congressional oversight letters + 40% hearings on pandemic response. – Subcommittee
on Coronavirus Crisis. Had 5 Republicans on it.
