Find out what’s happening in committees at the House of Commons and Lords. Follow bills, watch footage and read transcripts of debates. Learn about the experience, knowledge and interests of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the House of Lords who sit in the two Chambers scrutinising the Government and debating legislation.
A Republican on the House Oversight panel has reopened a probe into the administration’s handling of the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The committee will interview the director of the Justice Department’s national security division, Christopher A. Wray, and other top department officials.
The committee is investigating the scope of an alleged intelligence leak, the sources of which have not been identified publicly. It’s also examining whether the FBI’s treatment of the matter was appropriate and in line with standards in other jurisdictions, including the UK.
Among the many issues it’s investigating, the committee is exploring whether President Donald Trump and his associates have a pattern of improperly using the Justice Department to influence elections. The panel’s Democratic leaders have outlined criminal charges they believe could be brought against the president, including lying about the election, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as well as a charge of assisting, aiding or comforting an insurrection.
After a yearlong investigation, the panel concluded that Trump and his associates launched a multifaceted pressure campaign to overturn his election loss. During public hearings, the panel heard from witnesses who testified that Trump lied about the election results and encouraged his aides to pressure states, federal officials and Vice President Mike Pence to find a way to thwart the popular will.
House Republicans have been trying to subpoena the tapes to help with their impeachment probe of Biden. They are also seeking the recordings in connection with an investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith into alleged obstruction of justice and other allegations involving classified information at the White House.
The committee is responsible for APA’s annual Consumer and Sales Surveys, selecting research firms and coordinating with the PR & Events Committee to share resulting findings and generate media interest. It also works to make the APA a welcoming organization for all through initiatives such as the Mentorship Program and New Narrator Workshops. It is also responsible for the Industry News Blog and eNewsletter, maintaining content, look and tone as well as distribution.
The committee provides oversight and advice on Freedom of Information, Open Meetings and Personal Privacy Protection Laws to the Government, the public and news media. The committee offers guidance in response to phone inquiries, prepares written legal advisory opinions and conducts training for interested groups. It also reviews and amends the legislation that governs these laws. The Committee also serves as the secretariat for the House of Representatives’ joint committee on Open Government. The committee also reviews legislative proposals and provides advice to the House of Representatives on the effectiveness and operation of these laws.