United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
House Oversight Committee

Standing committee
Active United States House of Representatives 119th Congress
History
Formed	1927
Leadership
Chair	James Comer (R) Since January 10, 2023
Ranking member	Robert Garcia (D) Since June 24, 2025
Structure
Seats	47
Political parties	Majority (26)      Republican (26) Minority (21)      Democratic (21)
Subcommittees
Cyber Security, Information Technology and Government Innovation National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Government Operations Economic Growth, Energy Policy and Regulatory Affairs Health Care and Financial Services Delivering on Government Efficiency Federal Law Enforcement Coronavirus Crisis (Select) (118th Congress)
Website
(Republican) (Democratic)

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is a very important group in the United States House of Representatives. Think of it as the main detective team for the House. This committee looks into how the government works, making sure everything is running smoothly and fairly. Because it has a wide range of responsibilities and the power to investigate, it's one of the most powerful committees in the House.

The person leading the committee, called the Chair, has special powers. They can ask for important documents or testimony (called a subpoena) without needing a full committee vote. However, usually, they work with other members before doing so.

In recent years, the committee has seen several leadership changes. Carolyn Maloney became the Chair after Elijah Cummings passed away in October 2019. Later, James Comer became the Chair when Republicans gained control of the House. For the 119th Congress, which started in January 2025, James Comer was reelected as Chair. Robert Garcia became the Ranking Member, the top leader for the minority party, on June 24, 2025. Before him, Gerry Connolly served as Ranking Member until May 21, 2025, and Stephen Lynch was the Acting Ranking Member for a short time.

The Committee's Journey Through Time

How the Committee Started

The committee we know today as the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform began a long time ago in 1927. It was first called the Committee on Expenditures in the Executive Departments. Its job was to bring together the work of 11 different committees that used to check how various government departments spent their money. This helped make sure government spending was organized.

In 1952, the committee got a new name: the Committee on Government Operations. This new name showed that its mission was bigger. It was now tasked with watching over all government activities to make sure they were efficient and cost-effective.

Changes and New Responsibilities

Over the years, the committee has changed its structure and name several times to adapt to new challenges.

• After the 1994 elections, the committee was reorganized. It went from 14 smaller groups (subcommittees) to just seven. This change also meant fewer staff members.
• In 2007, under a new leadership, the seven subcommittees were combined into five.
• During the 106th Congress, the committee was renamed the Committee on Government Reform. Besides its original duties, it also took on responsibilities for the Post Office and Civil Service, and matters related to the District of Columbia.
• On January 4, 2007, it became the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• The name changed again for the 116th Congress to the Committee on Oversight and Reform.
• For the 118th Congress, it was called the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
• Most recently, for the 119th Congress, the name returned to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This happened after the 2024 United States elections.

For short, many people just call it the "Oversight Committee."

Using Special Requests for Information

The committee has the power to issue subpoenas. A subpoena is a formal request for documents or for someone to testify. This helps the committee gather information for its investigations.

• From 1997 to 2002, Chair Dan Burton used this power many times, issuing over 1,000 subpoenas. Many of these were about questions related to President Bill Clinton.
• Later, from 2003 to 2005, Chair Tom Davis used subpoenas much less often.
• After the 2010 elections, Chair Darrell Issa increased the use of subpoenas again, issuing more than 100 during the Obama administration.
• In July 2025, Chair James Comer issued a subpoena for Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before the committee. This led to her transfer to a different federal prison after her interview with Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche.

Important Investigations and Discussions

The Oversight Committee has been involved in many significant investigations and hearings throughout its history. These help the government stay accountable and address important issues.

• Between 2000 and 2006, the committee looked into various events, including the September 11 attacks and the Bush administration's claims about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. They also examined the government's response to Hurricane Katrina and information related to global warming.
• Under Chair Tom Davis, the committee investigated the use of certain performance-enhancing substances by Major League Baseball players.
• The committee also looked into the wellness and drug policies of World Wrestling Entertainment after questions arose about the death of performer Chris Benoit.
• In 2009, Republicans on the committee released a report about the 2008 financial crisis. The report suggested that government actions in the housing market played a role in the economic downturn.
• After Aaron Swartz passed away in January 2013, the committee investigated how the Justice Department handled his legal case related to computer activities.
• On July 10, 2019, a subcommittee held a hearing called "Kids in Cages: Inhumane Treatment at the Border." This session examined conditions at facilities for children and families at the U.S. border.
• On December 2, 2024, the committee's COVID-19 panel released its final report. This report discussed the COVID-19 lab leak theory and shared criticisms of mask mandates and lockdowns during the pandemic.

What the Committee Does

The committee has specific areas it oversees, according to the rules of the House of Representatives. These include:

• Looking after the federal civil service, which means all the people who work for the U.S. government. This includes their pay, job roles, and retirement plans.
• Handling the local government matters of District of Columbia, except for how money is spent there.
• Working to reduce government paperwork.
• Generally overseeing how the government is managed and how it handles its money.
• Deciding on federal holidays and celebrations.
• Making sure government operations and activities are efficient and well-managed, including how the government buys things.
• Overseeing the National Archives, which keeps important historical documents.
• Dealing with population information, including the Census.
• Managing the Postal Service, including how mail is transported.
• Ensuring public information and records are accessible.
• Looking at the relationship between the Federal Government and the states and cities.
• Overseeing changes and reorganizations within the executive branch of the government.

Committee Members for the 119th Congress

Resolutions electing members: H.Res. 13 (Chair), H.Res. 14 (Ranking Member), H.Res. 31 (R), H.Res. 40 (D), H.Res. 55 (D), H.Res. 538 (Ranking Garcia), H.Res. 721 (Walkinshaw)

Subcommittees

These smaller groups within the main committee focus on specific topics.

Panels and Task Forces

The committee chair can also create special panels or task forces to handle specific duties.

Past Subcommittees

Some subcommittees have been dissolved over time as the committee's focus changed.

• Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic (117th–118th Congress)
  • This subcommittee was dissolved at the end of the 118th Congress.
• Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (116th–117th Congress)
  • This subcommittee was dissolved during the 118th Congress.
• Subcommittee on Environment (115th Congress–117th Congress)
  • This subcommittee was dissolved during the 118th Congress.
• Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs (115th Congress)
  • This subcommittee was dissolved during the 116th Congress.
• Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Assets (111th Congress–113th Congress)
  • This subcommittee was dissolved at the end of the 114th United States Congress.

Committee Leaders Over the Years

Historical Membership Rosters

118th Congress Members

Resolutions electing members: H.Res. 14 (Chair), H.Res. 15 (Ranking Member), H.Res. 70 (R), H.Res. 71 (D), H.Res. 704 (D), H.Res. 913 (R), H.Res. 1034 (D)

Subcommittees

117th Congress Members

116th Congress Members

Membership Changes

The Oversight and Government Reform Committee saw many changes in its members during the 116th United States Congress.

• July 10, 2019: Fred Keller (R-PA) joined the committee. H.Res. 481
• October 17, 2019: Elijah Cummings (D-MD) passed away. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) became acting chair.
• November 3, 2019: Vice Chair Katie Hill (D-CA) resigned.
• November 20, 2019: Carolyn Maloney was elected permanent chair. H.Res. 725
• December 19, 2019: Katie Porter (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) joined the committee. H.Res. 773
• February 27, 2020: Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined the committee. H.Res. 870
• March 21, 2020: Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-OH) stepped down to become the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee; Mark Meadows (R-NC) became Ranking Member.
• March 30, 2020: Mark Meadows (R-NC) resigned to become White House Chief of Staff. Jim Jordan temporarily resumed Ranking Membership.
• May 8, 2020: Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) joined the committee. H.Res. 954
• June 29, 2020: James Comer (R-KY) was elected permanent Ranking Member.
• July 1, 2020: Gary Palmer (R-AL) joined the committee. H.Res. 1037

Subcommittees

115th Congress Members

See Also

• List of United States House of Representatives committees