Co-Equal Resources

In congressional debates on major legislation, dire predictions about the adverse impact of the bill are often made with great certainty by opponents of the legislation. Similarly, bold claims about what the legislation will accomplish can be made by proponents. These statements can influence both congressional votes and public opinion. In the years after enactment, however, it is rare to look back to those statements and assess their accuracy.

The power of the purse is one of Congress’s core constitutional authorities. Congress exercises this power through budget statutes and procedures that govern how funds are appropriated and spending legislation is enacted. Additional laws further constrain executive discretion in using those funds.

Congressional committees have obtained testimony and documents from senior White House and agency officials on a wide variety of sensitive subjects. This guide summarizes key precedents from congressional oversight of the executive branch since the Watergate hearings over 50 years ago.

This manual summarizes the major procedural rules that govern oversight and investigations by committees of the House of Representatives.

This manual summarizes the major procedural rules and precedents that govern consideration of legislation in committees of the House of Representatives. It also discusses methods for asserting procedural rights and maintaining decorum during Committee proceedings.

Co-Equal believes Congress needs accurate and unbiased policy analysis. To address this need, Co-Equal periodically publishes estimates of the impacts of federal policies in every congressional district and state.

Co-Equal compiled an oral history of the attempted violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to preserve firsthand accounts when they were still fresh in the memories of those with direct experience of that terrible day. These accounts should be memorialized and are important for the public and Congress to consider in evaluating what transpired and determining appropriate responses.