Administration Oversight

Congress has a responsibility under the Constitution to conduct oversight of the executive branch. The Committee on Government Reform has the specific responsibility to oversee whether laws and programs are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress and whether they should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated; the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of laws and programs; and the organization and operation of federal agencies and entities having responsibilities for the administration and execution of laws and programs. As set forth in House Rule X, clause 4, the Committee also may, at any time, conduct investigations of any matter regardless of whether another standing committee has jurisdiction over the matter.

Latest News

Rep. Waxman Calls on Bush to Set an Example on Stock Earnings

In a letter to President Bush, Rep. Waxman calls on the President to consider donating to charity all or some of the profits from his sale of $848,560 worth of Harken Energy Company stock.

HHS Actions Contradict Expert Recommendations

Rep. Waxman and Rep. Elijah Cummings, ranking Democrat of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, along with leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian and Pacific American Caucus, write to HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson to protest HHS actions that contradict the Institute of Medicine's expert recommendations on how to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities.

Rep. Waxman Asks If Committee Will Investigate White House Officials Rove and Mehlman

In a letter to Chairman Burton, Rep. Waxman asks if the Committee will be investigating the apparent use of government time and resources by Karl Rove and Ken Mehlman, two senior White House officials, to develop a partisan analysis of Republican prospects in key House and Senate races.

Permanent Estate Tax Repeal Would Enrich Wealthy and Worsen Deficit

The effort to make permanent the repeal of the estate tax would enrich a small group of wealthy Americans, while worsening the existing federal budget deficit. Among the beneficiaries of a permanent repeal are members of President Bush's cabinet, former officers of Enron, and key executives of other troubled companies. This small group of wealthy individuals would receive over $1 billion in potential tax savings.

Bush Administration Contacts with Enron

Rep. Waxman released a report which identifies 112 contacts between Administration officials and Enron in 200, based on documents and other information disclosed by the Administration, press stories, and Enron’s 2001 lobbying disclosure reports.

Rep. Waxman Gives Statement on H.R. 4187, The Presidential Records Act

In a hearing on The Presidential Records Act, Rep. Waxman stated, "The Bush executive order, which changes the management of the Presidential Records Act, is seriously flawed. The order takes a law that was designed to make documents readily available to the public and establishes procedures that are designed to block access."

Historians on the Importance of Access to Presidential Records

In a full Committee oversight hearing on the Presidential Records Act, four prominent historians criticized efforts by the Bush Administration to restrict access to presidential records. According to Dr. Stanley Kutler, "If his action stands, Bush will substantially shut down historical research of recent presidents."

OMB Requests 'Confidential' List of Regulations Disliked by Lobbyists

Reps. Waxman and John Tierney send a letter to the Office of Management and Budget asking for the disclosure of a list, compiled at OMB's request by the Republican Subcommittee staff of the Government Reform Committee, that details regulations considered burdensome by lobbyists. Reps. Waxman and Tierney send a letter to Governor Tom Ridge on the regulations on this list that appear to be relevant to efforts to address terrorism.

Bush Refuses to Turn Over Records

Rep. Waxman criticized the Bush Administration for invoking executive privilege and withholding important documents from Congress.

Bill to Open Secret Social Security Commission Meetings

Reps. Waxman and Matsui introduce legislation that will require the President's Commission on Social Security to keep their meetings open to the public.

Administration Limits Release of Presidential Records

Reps. Waxman and Schakowsky send a letter to President Bush calling on him to rescind his Executive Order that greatly restricts public access to Presidential records.

Fundraising and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Rep. Waxman has corresponded with White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales, Chairman Burton, and Karl Rove on fundraising and potential conflicts of interest.

Defense Department Advisory Committees

Eight members write Defense Secretary Rumsfeld about closed advisory committees at the Defense Department.

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