Understanding the Oversight Function of Congress

By Dennis AuBuchon

This book is about oversight function of Congress. First and foremost Congress does have a responsibility according to the Constitution to perform a check on the operations of the Executive Department. Today however, the oversight function being performed is out of control. This book will look at the various activities surrounding oversight responsibilities in conjunction with addressing their responsibilities to get the work done for citizens and the country in general. In looking at the available information I learned much about the organization of Congress and the various responsibilities of congressional committees. How assignments are made to the various committees will also be examined.
The responsibilities of each of the congressional committees are distinct and members need to have some experience or knowledge of the topics assigned. One example is committees addressing veteran’s needs. It is important that veterans be assigned to these committees as they understand situations that those serving or have served encounter.
Our veterans must receive the care and support they deserve. Funding for the Veterans Administration must not be made political by either party. In addition to our veterans the Defense Department must have the funding to provide the resources they need to help keep our veterans safe wherever they are serving. I am thankful that some changes have been made within the Veterans Administration but I am sure more needs to be done.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dennis AuBuchon
• Release date: Apr 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463030608

Dennis AuBuchon

Dennis has a background in quality assurance and auditing and is a certified quality auditor with ASQ (American Society for Quality). He has written over 1,000 articles mostly on the topic of integrity and hot topics of the day. Links to articles can be found on his website and hubpages.com. He is not one to shy from controversial topics as can be seen in his articles.Dennis believes in the principle that one person can make a difference and through hisweb site, his articles and his current book he is doing just that. The one key phrase on all his web site pages is quality writing and services to make a difference. Dennis designed his own web site www.myqualitywriting.com which is a resource for other authors to gain exposure for their work. Through his web site Dennis provides marketing information and opportunities to help other authors and the general public. Any person in business can learn from the information on his site through his articles and articles by other authors. Dennis continually tries to help other authors with information on all aspects of the publishing industryDennis has been a part of auditing teams and a team leader. Dennis’ relationship with quality assurance principles and integrity principles can be seen in his commitment to operate his business and web site with honesty, integrity and quality principles. This is evidenced by the fact that he has signed a business ethics pledge committed to treating all stakeholders fairly, with compassion and a commitment to service.

Book preview

Understanding the Oversight Function of Congress

By Dennis AuBuchon

Copyright © 2019 AuBuchon Books, Articles and Services

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Congressional oversight is the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation.

Chapter 1 Investigations

The investigation activities of Congress are broad in many cases but others not so much. The topics sometimes should be questioned based on the reason they are initiated. Investigations should be based on facts not opinions. This chapter will look at some of the investigations that have been initiated in the past and some that are currently in play.

Chapter 2 The Organization of Congress

The organization and structure has much to do with the function of Congress. This chapter will look into the structure and how it impacts the function of Congress. When evaluating the structure the processes involved will be evaluated for potential changes which may need to be made.

Chapter 3 The United States Constitution

The Constitution identifies the responsibility of Congress regarding oversight and rightly so. It has been stated that our system of government is one of checks and balances and what this really means will be discussed. The roles of Congress and each body will be presented and discussed regarding oversight functions.

Chapter 4 Oversight of Federal Agencies

Oversight of federal agencies need to be conducted as it is the responsibility of Congress but whether Congress is performing true oversight or political activities will be evaluated.

Chapter 5 Statutes

There is specific statutes involved referring to the oversight function of Congress. These will be identified which helps to provide justification for this function.

Chapter 6 Advice and Consent

This chapter will explore the concept of advice and consent and what it really represents. Some of the coverage of this philosophy has been over the top and it appears to be misrepresented but this chapter will set the record straight.

Chapter 7 Constitutional Provision

This chapter is about the power and authority of the President with cooperation with the Senate. This can be difficult at times but the question remains whether without approval of the Senate can the President accomplish his responsibilities especially with foreign countries.

Chapter 8 The House of Representatives

This chapter will explore the role of this body of Congress in not only performing their oversight responsibilities but whether the focus is balanced between oversight and getting the business of the country accomplished.

Chapter 9 The Senate

This chapter will explore the role of this body of Congress in not only performing their oversight responsibilities but whether the focus is balanced between oversight and getting the business of the country accomplished.

Chapter 10 Senate Confirmation

There is a difference between Senate confirmation and Senate Confirmation and checks and balances. This process will be examined for readers to understand the concept and how it is accomplished.

Chapter 11 Congressional Committees

Several if not all congressional committees will be analyzed regarding their mission and whether the oversight function is properly identified as part of their responsibilities.

Chapter 12 Powers of the President

This chapter is about the powers and authority of the President according to the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress. It is about what oversight should be regarding these powers and not obstructive action by Congress to hinder the President performing his constitutional duties.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the information compiled in the various chapters will be summarized. The public and/or the reader of this book understand the importance congressional oversight function. Oversight must be performed but it should involve integrity principles within the individual processes.

About the Author

This section provides information about activities such as social media, articles I have written and a list of books that I concurrently have written not including this one.

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Introduction

This book is about oversight function of Congress. First and foremost Congress does have a responsibility according to the Constitution to perform a check on the operations of the Executive Department. Today however, the oversight function being performed is out of control. This book will look at the various activities surrounding oversight responsibilities in conjunction with addressing their responsibilities to get the work done for citizens and the country in general. In looking at the available information I learned much about the organization of Congress and the various responsibilities of congressional committees. How assignments are made to the various committees will also be examined.

The responsibilities of each of the congressional committees are distinct and members need to have some experience or knowledge of the topics assigned. One example is committees addressing veteran’s needs. It is important that veterans be assigned to these committees as they understand situations that those serving or have served encounter.

Our veterans must receive the care and support they deserve. Funding for the Veterans Administration must not be made political by either party. In addition to our veterans the Defense Department must have the funding to provide the resources they need to help keep our