Table of Contents
Congress plays a vital role in overseeing government agencies to ensure they operate effectively and within the law. This supervision helps maintain accountability and transparency in the federal government.
Legislative Oversight
Congress exercises oversight primarily through legislation. It creates laws that define agency responsibilities and powers. Congress also reviews agency activities to ensure compliance with laws and policies.
Hearings and Investigations
Congress conducts hearings and investigations to scrutinize agency actions. These hearings gather information, question officials, and identify issues needing correction or improvement.
Budget Control
Congress controls agency funding through the appropriations process. By approving budgets, Congress influences agency priorities and operations. It can also impose conditions on funding to enforce accountability.
Tools for Supervision
- Legislation
- Hearings
- Budget approval
- Reports and audits
- Confirmations of agency leaders