Congress’ oversight powers should be kept in check

CONGRESSIONAL oversight over the executive agencies and departments is invariably the defense of lawmakers against public and media criticism of their penchant for conducting hearings and inquiries on live TV.

Generally, congressional inquiries are a good way for keeping the executive agencies and departments under check and in balance. But as we also know, an inquisition, if made a regular feature of government, is not a healthy state of affairs. A government that suspects every member of the service will not be productive or stable.