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Issues
Oversight
Oversight
Related Issue(s):
Ethics & Lobbying Reform
Congressman Souder's Position
Oversight is Congress’ way to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent properly, programs are implemented, and the intent of Congress is fulfilled. This function was established by the first Congresses to ensure proper governance. Since those early days of the Republic, oversight has taken on greater significance, especially as the size of our government has expanded.
In the House of Representatives, primary oversight jurisdiction rests with the Committee on Government Reform. I am a senior member of this committee, and also chair one of its subcommittees. The committee is empowered to investigate any issue, ranging from prescription drug safety to baggage screening, and security clearances to steroid use in Major League Baseball. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources, I hold oversight jurisdiction over a number of areas, including all drug policy issues, border security, and public health.
Over the past several years, my subcommittee has held hearings examining the border with Mexico, illegal immigration, methamphetamine addiction, pharmaceutical safety, and criminal recidivism. These issues are important to the American people and demand that Congress ensure that programs in these areas are effective and properly spend taxpayer dollars.
As long as the government spends money and administers public programs, there will be a need for congressional oversight. While the Executive Branch does not always appreciate congressional inquiries, Congress would be remiss if it did not demand a full accounting of the administration’s activities.
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