New book chronicles 21 congressional investigations in American history
The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School announced Tuesday the publication of “Congress Investigates: George Washington to January 6th” — a comprehensive and compelling look at the role of congressional investigations throughout the course of American history.
The book explores 21 major congressional investigations, beginning with the first probe of the Executive Branch under George Washington and covering landmark events including hearings on the Ku Klux Klan, the sinking of the Titanic, the Enron scandal, the 2008 financial crisis, and the January 6th insurrection. Through these accounts, the book highlights how congressional oversight has helped shape the nation.
The project was led by Elise Bean, a national expert in congressional oversight and the director of the Levin Center’s Washington, D.C. office. Tragically, Bean passed away earlier this year before seeing the final publication of the book.
Her co-author, Kyle Bule, serves as the Levin Center’s research and communications specialist. Both authors were supported by the Levin Center in their efforts to bring this important work to life.
“Publication of this book is a fitting tribute to its driving force and co-author, Elise Bean, who dedicated herself to enabling Congress to fulfill its duty, through oversight, to serve as the eyes and voice of the American people,” said Jim Townsend, director of the Levin Center. “The Levin Center also owes much gratitude to Nell Minow of Miniver Press, publisher of the book, who could not have been a better or more encouraging partner.”
Early readers of Congress Investigates have praised its engaging narrative and educational value.
“This is an excellent view of U.S. history through the lens of congressional investigations,” said U.S. Senator and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. “The chapters are easy to read yet deeply informative. Since the beginning of our country, Congress has stepped in to uncover the facts and inform the public on critical issues—sometimes it succeeded more than others. This is the dramatic story of those times and that effort.”
Kevin R. Kosar, editor of Understanding Congress and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, added, “Hapless military leaders. Vicious Klansmen. Inept ship captains. Grifting high officials. Shady financiers. Villainous Mafioso. Raging partisans. Who knew a book about congressional oversight could be a thriller!”
Congress Investigates: George Washington to January 6th is available now on Amazon in print ($15), Kindle ($8), and audiobook formats.
The book explores 21 major congressional investigations, beginning with the first probe of the Executive Branch under George Washington and covering landmark events including hearings on the Ku Klux Klan, the sinking of the Titanic, the Enron scandal, the 2008 financial crisis, and the January 6th insurrection. Through these accounts, the book highlights how congressional oversight has helped shape the nation.
The project was led by Elise Bean, a national expert in congressional oversight and the director of the Levin Center’s Washington, D.C. office. Tragically, Bean passed away earlier this year before seeing the final publication of the book.
Her co-author, Kyle Bule, serves as the Levin Center’s research and communications specialist. Both authors were supported by the Levin Center in their efforts to bring this important work to life.
“Publication of this book is a fitting tribute to its driving force and co-author, Elise Bean, who dedicated herself to enabling Congress to fulfill its duty, through oversight, to serve as the eyes and voice of the American people,” said Jim Townsend, director of the Levin Center. “The Levin Center also owes much gratitude to Nell Minow of Miniver Press, publisher of the book, who could not have been a better or more encouraging partner.”
Early readers of Congress Investigates have praised its engaging narrative and educational value.
“This is an excellent view of U.S. history through the lens of congressional investigations,” said U.S. Senator and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. “The chapters are easy to read yet deeply informative. Since the beginning of our country, Congress has stepped in to uncover the facts and inform the public on critical issues—sometimes it succeeded more than others. This is the dramatic story of those times and that effort.”
Kevin R. Kosar, editor of Understanding Congress and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, added, “Hapless military leaders. Vicious Klansmen. Inept ship captains. Grifting high officials. Shady financiers. Villainous Mafioso. Raging partisans. Who knew a book about congressional oversight could be a thriller!”
Congress Investigates: George Washington to January 6th is available now on Amazon in print ($15), Kindle ($8), and audiobook formats.
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