Congressional Investigations: What to Expect in the 120th Congress

The useful part

Congressional investigations have become an increasingly attractive tool for members of Congress. For their part, Democrats developed oversight themes related to Trump administration conduct and interactions with the private sector. Come November, control of either or both congressional chambers may flip to Democrats, who have signaled an extensive and aggressive oversight agenda.

How it works

• We expect the following themes to be a heavy focus of any Democrat-led congressional chamber.
• Even if neither chamber flips, a Republican-led 120th Congress would almost certainly continue its heavy oversight activity.
• In either case, private sector organizations of all types, including nonprofits and corporations, should be prepared for significant congressional investigative activity.
• Interactions With the Trump Administration Key Democratic congressional leaders have exhibited a clear interest in exploring the private sector's interactions with the Trump administration.
• In particular, congressional Democrats will be interested in investigating any settlements, deals, or other formal or informal agreements between private sector entities and the administration.

What to take from it

Indeed, key Democratic oversight leaders have already sent dozens of letters on topics such as law firm settlements, donations to the White House ballroom project, partnerships with Trump-...

Details worth keeping

During the 119th Congress, the Republican majority conducted extensive oversight activities, leveraging their investigative authorities to prime policy proposals, probe perceived malfeasance, and platform issues salient to their political priorities. Below, we describe what that might look like under either scenario. Democratic Oversight Priorities Despite lacking the gavel during the 119th Congress, the Democratic ranking members of key congressional committees have been active in their oversight activities, providing valuable insight into what their priorities may be if given the gavel next year.