Constitution Project and POGO Release Handbooks on Congressional Oversight Authority
7/16/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Marthena Cowart, (202) 347-3958 or mcowart@pogo.org
WASHINGTON – The Constitution Project and the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) both unveiled handbooks today explaining congressional oversight authority and the respective roles and powers of Congress and the executive branch. The handbooks’ release to the public was accompanied by a panel discussion at the National Press Club. The Constitution Project’s “When Congress Comes Calling: A Primer on the Principles, Practices, and Pragmatics of Legislative Inquiry,” and POGO’s “The Art of Congressional Oversight: A User’s Guide to Doing it Right,” provide practical guidance on the conduct of congressional oversight by explaining the appropriate usage of oversight tools.
“Effective congressional oversight is critical for maintaining the separation of powers established under our Constitution,” said Sharon Bradford Franklin, Constitution Project Senior Counsel. “‘When Congress Comes Calling’ is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the oversight process. Legislative oversight serves not only the interests of Congress, but also those of the executive branch and the American public. The Constitution Project is glad to join POGO in promoting accountability and a government with independent, co-equal branches.”
“Congress not only has the right to conduct oversight of the executive and judicial branches, as well as of private companies and other institutions affecting the public welfare, it has the responsibility to do so,” said Danielle Brian, Project On Government Oversight Executive Director. “POGO is pleased to join with the Constitution Project in supporting the critical work of oversight professionals and others committed to transparency and a more open federal government.”
To access an audio recording of yesterday's discussion, please visit:
To view a copy of the Constitution Project’s “When Congress Comes Calling,” written by Morton Rosenberg, a leading expert on congressional-executive relationships and a Constitution Project Fellow, please visit:
To order a copy of POGO’s “The Art of Congressional Oversight,” please visit:
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