Proposals for a Congressional Commission on the Financial Crisis: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This report provides a comparative analysis of six proposed congressional advisory commissions that would investigate various aspects of the recent financial crisis and economic downturn. The report specifically discusses the following: (1) the membership structure, (2) appointment structure, (3) rules of procedure and operation, (4) duties and reporting requirements, (5) powers of the commission, (6) staffing issues, and (7) funding. Tables 1 through 7 (at the end of the report) summarize major provisions of the six proposals. The six proposed commissions are found in Senate amendment 995 to S. 386 (sponsored by Senator Isakson); S. 195 (the "Taxpayer Protection Act," sponsored by Senator Dorgan); S. 298 (the "Financial Markets Commission Act of 2009," sponsored by Senator Isakson); H.R. 74 (the "Financial Oversight Commission Act of 2009," sponsored by Representative Issa); H.R. 768 (the "Commission on Financial Crisis Accountability Act of 2009," sponsored by Representative Larson); and H.R. 2111 (the "Congressional Commission on Financial Accountability and Preparedness Act of 2009," sponsored by Representative Burgess). The overall structures of each of the proposed commissions are similar in many respects, both to each other and to previous independent advisory entities established by Congress. Specifically, the proposed commissions exist temporarily; serve in an advisory capacity; and report a work product detailing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the commission. That said, each particular proposed commission has unique elements, particularly concerning its membership structure, appointment structure, and timeline for reporting its work product to Congress.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 29, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501026

Entities

People

  • Jacob R. Straus
  • Matthew E. Glassman

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Economics
  • Employment
  • Energy
  • Government Employees
  • Governments
  • Law
  • National Governments
  • Personnel Management
  • President (United States)
  • Public Policy
  • Security
  • Surface Transportation
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Defense Financial Management and Audit.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.