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Updated 01/16/2020: Today’s lawmakers and congressional aides, as well as commentators andscholars, recognize that Congress’s lawmaking role does not end when it passes legislation.Oversight is considered fundamental to making sure that laws work and are being administered inan effective, efficient, and economical manner. This function is seen as one of Congress’s principalroles as it grapples with the complexities of American government. A fundamental objective of the Congressional Oversight Manual is to assist Members,committees, and legislative staff in carrying out this vital legislative function. It is intended toprovide a broad overview of the procedural, legal, and practical issues that are likely to arise asCongress conducts oversight. This includes information on the mechanics of oversight practicebased on the House and Senate rules, common investigative techniques, and an inventory ofstatutes that impact oversight activity. In addition, the Manual discusses important legal principlesthat have developed around Congress’s oversight practice. It is not intended to address all thelegal issues that committees, Members, and staff may encounter when engaged in investigativeactivities. The Manual is organized both to address specific questions and to support those seekinga general introduction to or broader understanding of oversight practice. CRS first developed theCongressional Oversight Manual four decades ago following a three-day December 1978 Workshopon Congressional Oversight and Investigations. The workshop was organized by a group of Houseand Senate committee aides from both parties and CRS at the request of the bipartisan Houseleadership. The Manual was produced by CRS with the assistance initially of a number of Housecommittee staffers. In subsequent years, CRS has sponsored and conducted various oversightseminars for House and Senate staff and updated the Manual periodically. Over the years, CRS has assisted many Members, committees,