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One of the most important non-legislative functions of the U.S Congress is the power to investigate. The power is usually delegated to committees—either standing committees, special committees set for a specific purpose, or joint committees __1
consisted of members of both houses. Investigations __2
are held to gather information on the need for future legislation,to test the effectiveness of laws already passed,to inquire into the qualifications and performance of members and officials of the other branches, and in rare occasions, __3
to lay the groundwork for impeachment proceedings. Frequently,committees rely outside experts to assist in conducting __4
investigative hearings and to make out detailed studies of issues. __5
There are important corollaries to the investigative power. One is the power to publicize investigations and its results. Most __6
committee hearings are open to public and are reported widely __7
in the mass media. Congressional investigations nevertheless __8
represent one important tool available to lawmakers to inform the citizenry and to arouse public interests in national issues, __9
Congressional committees also have the power to compel testimony from unwilling witnesses, and to cite for contempt of Congress witnesses who refuse to testify and for perjury these who give false testimony. __10
