A Guide to Congressional Hearings

A Guide to Congressional Hearings Synopsis

Congressional hearings are the principal formal method by which committees collect and analyse information in the early stages of policy making. Whether legislative, oversight, investigative, or a combination of these, all hearings share common elements of preparation and conduct. This book provides a guide to conducting Congressional hearings. It covers formal procedures and rules, and common committee practices. It discusses hearings preparation, such as scheduling, invitations to witnesses, and publicity and media considerations; and procedural elements, such as quorums for taking testimony, oaths and questioning witnesses.