25.5 Oversight

Oversight is the process by which legislators ensure that government agencies carry out laws and spend public funds responsibly. In Congress, oversight often takes place through hearings where lawmakers question agency leaders. In the Ohio General Assembly, legislators use similar tools to review agency performance and respond to concerns from the public. Staffers support this work by researching issues, drafting questions, and reviewing reports so legislators can hold agencies accountable.

Example: Congressional Oversight

Congressional committees hold hearings to review the work of federal agencies. For example, members of Congress have questioned leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about how disaster relief funds are distributed. These hearings give lawmakers a chance to identify problems and demand improvements.

Example: State Oversight

In Ohio, the General Assembly conducts oversight through committee hearings and budget reviews. Lawmakers have called in officials from the Ohio Department of Education to explain how funds are used for schools and to answer questions about student outcomes. This process helps legislators track how state agencies perform and whether tax dollars are being used effectively.