participation in the Vietnam War, hastening the end of the conflict. In the late 1960s, televised hearings of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the so-called Pentagon Papers solidified public opposition to continued U.S.As a result, several agencies were reorganized and a special White House commission was appointed to investigate evidence of corruption in all areas of government. In 1949, a select Senate subcommittee discovered corruption within the administration of President Harry S.Congress can also limit an agency’s power by reducing its funding in the annual federal budget process. Should Congress find evidence that an agency has incorrectly applied or exceeded its powers, it can pass a law overruling the action or narrowing the agency’s regulatory authority. The scope of Congress’ powers of oversight extends to virtually all programs, activities, regulations, and polices implemented by the presidential cabinet departments, independent executive agencies, regulatory boards and commissions, and the president of the United States. In empowering the legislative branch of government to oversee the executive branch, congressional oversight forms a key element of the system of checks and balances of power among the three branches of government.Congressional oversight is one of the “implied” powers granted to Congress by the “necessary and proper” clause of the Constitution.The main goals of congressional oversight are preventing waste, fraud, and abuse and protecting rights and civil liberties.Congress to monitor and change, if necessary, the actions of the executive branch, including the many federal agencies. Congressional oversight refers to the power of the U.S.

Oversight definition