House Resolutions of Inquiry

Abstract

The resolution of inquiry is a House procedure that seeks factual information from the executive branch. The resolution is privileged and may be considered at any time after it is properly reported or discharged from committee. It applies only to requests for facts not opinions within the Administration's control. This report explains the history, procedure, specific uses of resolutions of inquiry, and identifies the use thus far in the 108th Congress (H.Res. 68). The examples in this report demonstrate that even when a resolution of inquiry is reported adversely from a committee and tabled on the floor, it frequently leads to the release of a substantial amount of information from the Administration. The quality and quantity of executive branch material discharged by a resolution of inquiry is often the very reason for reporting it adversely and tabling it, because the sponsor of the amendment has received everything requested.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 12, 2003
Accession Number
ADA445530

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  • Louis Fisher

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  • Defense Acquisition University

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