From Democrat Hoyer: House to exercise oversight power/responsibility

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alan

New member
The above statement was part of quoted remarks from Maryland Democrat and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer last week, if newspaper accounts are correct.

With respect to certain government agencies, the BATFE to name just one, congressional oversight seems something conspicuous by its absence. With Democrats in power, will this change? Will we see a checking of the more egregious antics of the BATFE, or will the change in control of the House and Senate serve to open the floodgates to even more abusive tactics?

Congressman Hoyer, no friend to gun rights, seems to say no. I guess that we shall have to wait to see what the passage of time actually brings, re congressional oversight, or what passes therefore.
 
Every Congress says the same thing. It basically means "we will insure that you carry out those policies that we want you to, or else you will see your funding cut."

It's just as easy for Congress to excercise oversight by requiring ATFE to become stringent as it is to believe that ATFE's abuses will be curbed.
 
Most of the issues that Congress has dealt with so far have popular support. I dont think we will see them sticking thier necks out too much.

Those agencies are part of the executive branch which means that the only thing Congress can do is cut an agency's budget. In these days after 9/11 cutting an agencies budget could have repercussions if something bad happens. So those remarks were more for show and tell than reality.
 
Congress can do a lot without going after budgets. Few agency heads enjoy the experience of being called before the relevant committee and asked to explain themselves. For example, Hoyer could ask ATFE to explain the reversal of the barrel ban that "allowed manufacturers to continue putting AK-47s on the street." I think after having that brought to their "attention," ATFE would revisit the issue.
 
buzz_knox:

Hoyer could also ask ATF to explain their prosecution, bungled prosecution that is, of John Glover, case dismissed with prejudice. Then there is what appears to be tampering evidence in the Albert Kwan case, about which nothing much is heard nowadays. Think any such questions will be asked? Did the Republicans ask any?
 
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