Insights from Our Latest Congressional Oversight Boot Camp

In August 2024, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, and the Lugar Center came together to host the 19th Oversight Boot Camp. The two-day training, held in person on Capitol Hill, welcomed 33 congressional staff members from both Democratic and Republican parties, both chambers of Congress, and 26 different committees and personal offices. Through this training, they gained valuable skills in conducting effective oversight investigations. 

Held semi-annually, the Oversight Boot Camp seeks to encourage bipartisan, fact-driven investigations while strengthening trust and collaboration among House and Senate staff from both parties. This training provided a valuable platform for participants to forge relationships that bolster cooperative, bipartisan initiatives. Throughout the program, attendees enhanced their skills in conducting thorough oversight that will help strengthen congressional oversight powers and ultimately result in a stronger legislative branch. 

Participants were equally divided into teams assuming the roles of four congressional committees: Senate Judiciary Committee; House Committee on Agriculture; Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and House Committee on Energy and Commerce. According to the jurisdiction of the committee, participants were required to investigate a fictional scandal related to a possibly illicit drug operation involving large-scale marijuana production and processing. One participant who found the scandal valuable said, “I really appreciated the boot camp — great insights, helpful examples, and really liked the process of working through a scenario.” 

The teams were assigned the task of collaborating within their “committees” to address the core issue and to propose recommendations to prevent an incident like this from occurring again. Each group developed an investigative plan, a hearing strategy, a report outline, and a follow-up plan to work through the scandal. This approach enabled participants to directly apply what they learned during the lecture series and provided an opportunity to collaborate with one another. The boot campers also engaged in role-playing exercises, allowing them to practice their skills by tackling realistic challenges that congressional investigators may encounter during oversight investigations. One boot camper said, “The role play aspect was the most valuable part of the boot camp.” 

Throughout each phase of the investigation, participants were provided with ample opportunities to ask questions, and they received critical and valuable feedback from each of the instructors.

The Hosts

• Tim Stretton, director of the Congressional Oversight Initiative at POGO  
• Elise Bean, director, Washington Office, Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy 

The Guest Instructors

• Dan Goshorn, chief investigative counsel for the Senate Finance Committee 
• Kaity Wolfe, senior professional staff member and investigator on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 

One participant said the instructors were “very knowledgeable and their wealth of experiences were helpful in illustrating challenges staff may run into when conducting oversight. It was also a great way to learn about different ways to leverage the oversight powers of committees and to meet others also interested in oversight issues.” 

Here are some additional testimonials from boot camp attendees:   

• Should be required for all congressional staffers, especially to help foster more bipartisan and structured approaches to oversight. 
• Really helpful boot camp that is applicable to more than just oversight. Investigations parallel other research that staffers do and other written products! 
• This was a highly effective clinic. I felt as though I was hearing from people at the top of the oversight world, and I met fascinating people I hope to continue to work with. 
• The boot camp is a useful resource for those who want to make the most of this oversight and investigations. The work we do in Congress is made more effective thanks to the Boot Camp. 
• Oversight work can often feel chaotic and this experience absolutely provided key insight into structuring that work in ways that promote clarity and confidence. 
• This training should be required for all committee staff!! Oversight is such an important tool for Congress and appreciate all the advice learning in ways to put together and follow up on an investigation.