The politics of Senate hearings

THE Senate committee on accountability of public officers, or the blue ribbon committee (BRC), has been the bane of scoundrels and corrupt officials in government. Touted as the most powerful congressional committee, the BRC was created to investigate irregularities in the executive branch, its attached agencies, government-owned corporations and parastatals. But over time, in the mold of traditional politics in this country, it is perceived to have evolved simply into a platform for politicians propelling their personal agenda. The chairman is projected as an alpha senator — appearing to be the equal of — or a wannabe president himself.

The BRC can summon any person in the bureaucracy and from the private sector. However, it does not have the power to incarcerate witnesses and lying resource persons except for contempt of the Senate. But the biggest advantage to the chairperson is his debut to a much wider stage and larger national audience — free publicity at no personal expense — investigating scandals, anomalies and whatever disturbs the equanimity of the powers that be — even those in the oligarchy. In short, there is a strong compulsion to turn this into a grandstanding platform impelled by the glare of TV camera lights, the proceedings dictated more by news deadlines and prime time TV slots, bludgeoning the witnesses, leaving some reputations in tatters. A premium post, pro- and anti-administration demagogues vie for television time allowing them to preen and strut before the cameras. All such investigations are being pursued "in aid of legislation."