Over the last 20 years or so, Congress, particularly when controlled by the GOP, has transformed from a legislative body into an investigative one.
One of the people who played a central role in institutionalizing the culture of endless investigations was Kenneth Starr, who died Tuesday at 76 due to complications following surgery. Starr was a longtime Republican operative, judge and, in his later years, university president and conservative commentator. However, he will be most remembered for his role as independent counsel during President Bill Clinton’s administration. Starr served in that capacity from 1994-99.
Because Congress has always been a check on the executive branch, oversight is naturally a part of its mission. But in recent years, investigating has become a way for it to limit executive power by setting the agenda for the president.
Because Congress has always been a check on the executive branch, oversight is naturally a part of its mission. But in recent years, investigating has become a way for it to limit executive power by setting the agenda for the president. If the president and an administration have to respond to a series of investigations, they are more likely to take their focus off of other issues of governance.
