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Waxman's Unique Subpoena Power

Fascinating fact: Incoming House Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman is the only chair " who can issue subpoenas without a committee vote" under a Republican rule change during the Clinton Administration. Having been on the receiving end of several particularly outrageous Congressional subpoenas and threatened with House floor votes over whether we should be held in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply, we can attest to their potential for abuse. Those who fear the wrath of Chairman Waxman's possible future subpoena may take comfort in reading a statement (pdf) he made in September on congressional oversight and subpoena authority.

By: Beth Daley
Director of Investigations, POGO

At the time of publication, Beth Daley was the Director of Investigations for the Project On Government Oversight.

Authors: Beth Daley

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