US Congress Beyond Legislative Process— Investigative and Oversight Roles of Congressional Committees

Purpose of Select/Special Committes ID Purpose, Scope and Types of Select Committees: List examples of historical select committees: List examples of current select committees:

Additional Role of Standing Committees– Outside of Legislative Process Define “ombudsman”” or alternative description…… THIS ROLE GENERATES SPECIFIC TYPES OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MEMBERS (and staff), SIG’s, and Government Agencies

Congress (specifically committees) The Iron Triangle describes a relationship formed among government agencies, congressional committees and interest groups who work together. . Bureaucracy Congress (specifically committees) Interest Groups Term “iron” is used b/c the relationship is so strong that it is often difficult for other individuals and groups outside the triangle to influence policy in the area. Cooperate to make public policy

All three groups work to satisfy each other’s needs. Bureaucracy Congress Interest Groups Term “iron” is used b/c the relationship is so strong that it is often difficult for other individuals and groups outside the triangle to influence policy in the area.

The Iron Triangle also includes “Government agencies” which are part of the bureaucracy. Executive Branch Hierarchically organized, formal organizations based on division of labor; politically appointed

Write the answers to these questions in your notes: Define interest group. Name one function Define committee. What is its function? What is the bureaucracy? What is it function?

What role does Congress play in the Iron Triangle?

What role do Interest Groups play in the Iron Triangle?

What role does the Bureaucracy play in the Iron Triangle?

Putting it all together…summarize the role that Congress, Interest Groups and the Bureaucracy play in the Iron Triangle.

Real life examples . . . Small Business Committee (House and Senate) The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is "to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters". The agency's activities are summarized as the "3 Cs" of capital, contracts and counseling Chamber of Commerce- Small businesses account for three-quarters of all new jobs in this country and embody the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and individual initiative. Because of the U.S. Chamber's key role in ensuring our country’s growth and prosperity, it has launched U.S. Chamber Small Business Nation.

U.S. Chamber Small Business Nation is a community that was founded on the open exchange of information and ideas, while creating the opportunity for small businesses to speak with a unified voice.

Bringing together America’s small businesses – the engine of economic growth – will strengthen individual endeavors while amplifying the collective voice of business. Small Business Committee (House)- House Small Business Committee is charged with assessing and investigating the problems of small businesses and examining the impact of general business practices and trends on small businesses. The committee has oversight and legislative authority over the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its programs, as well as provides assistance to and protection of small businesses, including financial aid and the participation of small business enterprises in federal procurement and government contracts. U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Nation Small Business Administration

Similar to the idea of the Iron Triangle is an Issue Network…

An issue network is a network of people- interest groups, congressional committees, government agencies, the media ,think tanks, White House aids, universities- who regularly discuss and advocate public policies. Issue networks are an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a single issue in government policy. Usually, issue networks push for a change in policy within the government bureaucracy. An example includes the wide ranging network of environmental groups and individuals who push for more environmental regulation in government policy. Other issue networks revolve around such controversial issues as abortion, gun ownership rights, and drug laws. In the United States, the various parties within an issue network include “political executives, career bureaucrats, management and policy consultants, academic researchers, journalists, foundation officers, and White House aides.

So what’s the difference between an Iron Triangle and an Issue Network? Relationships only benefit the 3 participants by perusing a favorable policy for the interest group The policy may come at the expense of the general public Seek to support public interests (wide ranging constituency), not private ones Could work against Iron Triangles by opposing policy pushed by an interest group and enacted by the government ssue networks can be antagonistic to iron triangles as they may oppose a policy pushed by a private interest group, and carried out by a government agency. This is particularly the case in regards to environmental issue networks that disagree with the lax environmental standards pursued by private energy companies. It is also important to note that different Issue networks also compete with one another, as in the case of proponents and opponents of abortion.

Iron Triangle Activity

Now, you’ll research an iron triangle. Pick one that interests you: Choice 1: Military- Industrial Complex House and Senate committees on Armed Services Defense Contractors- Raytheon Department of Defense Choice 2: Gun Policy/Rights House and Senate Judiciary Committee (Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism) National Rifle Association U.S. Department of Justice (ATF) Choice 3: Social Security/The Elderly Senate Special Committee on Aging American Association of Retired People (AARP) Social Security Administration Make sure to use open secrets

Journal 1: Iron Triangle Part 1- Congressional Committee What is the purpose/jurisdiction of the committee? Look at the members of the committee. Who has the majority? Are there any particular groups of states represented on the committee that have an interest in this topic? What special interests are affected by this committee? Part 2- Bureaucratic Agency What is the purpose of this agency? What does it regulate? Part 3- Interest Group What is the purpose of this interest group? What is its “Interest”? Go to the website “Open Secrets.” How much money has this organization given to politicians/PACs? Who have they lobbied? Part 4- Iron Triangle Construct an Iron Triangle based upon the information you researched. Label the triangle and arrows between the corners, showing how the groups satisfy each other’s needs. Put journal on website for students.

Rubric for Iron Triangle Activity Level 4: Ideas are detailed and reflect a complete understanding of the material. Level 3: Meets all requirements for task (responds to all prompts correctly and completely) Ideas are easily understood, thorough, and accurate; you include important details Level 2: Meets most requirements for task Ideas are understandable, but may be overly general or incomplete; response may contain repetitive or unessential information Level 1: Meets few requirements for task (incomplete or does not respond to prompts directly) Ideas are hard to understand, or show major misunderstandings; details may be too general, irrelevant or incomplete