July, 16 2009, 11:47am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Matthew Allee, (202) 580-6922 or mallee@constitutionproject.org or
Marthena Cowart, (202) 347-3958 or mcowart@pogo.org
Constitution Project and POGO Release Handbooks on Congressional Oversight Authority
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.
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
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:
https://www.constitutionproject.org/manage/file/175.pdf
To order a copy of POGO's "The Art of Congressional Oversight," please visit:
https://www.pogo.org/cots/handbook-orders.html
The Constitution Project is a politically independent think tank established in 1997 to promote and defend constitutional safeguards. More information about the Constitution Project is available at https://constitutionproject.org/.
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