In subsequent years, CRS has sponsored and conducted various oversight seminars for House and Senate staff and updated the Manual periodically. The Manual was produced by CRS with the assistance initially of a number of House committee staffers. The workshop was organized by a group of House and Senate committee aides from both parties and CRS at the request of the bipartisan House leadership. The Manual is organized both to address specific questions and to support those seeking a general introduction to or broader understanding of oversight practice.ĬRS first developed the Congressional Oversight Manual four decades ago following a three-day December 1978 Workshop on Congressional Oversight and Investigations. It is not intended to address all the legal issues that committees, Members, and staff may encounter when engaged in investigative activities. In addition, the Manual discusses important legal principles that have developed around Congress’s oversight practice. This includes information on the mechanics of oversight practice based on the House and Senate rules, common investigative techniques, and an inventory of statutes that impact oversight activity. It is intended to provide a broad overview of the procedural, legal, and practical issues that are likely to arise as Congress conducts oversight. This function is seen as one of Congress’s principal roles as it grapples with the complexities of American government.Ī fundamental objective of the Congressional Oversight Manual is to assist Members, committees, and legislative staff in carrying out this vital legislative function. Oversight is considered fundamental to making sure that laws work and are being administered in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
Today’s lawmakers and congressional aides, as well as commentators and scholars, recognize that Congress’s lawmaking role does not end when it passes legislation.
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