his right of privacy. nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself…” This privilege against self-incrimnation extends to witnesses before legislative investigating committees. asserted by him.

In Watkins v. United States, 354 U.S. 178 (1957), a 6-1 decision with two justices not participating, the Supreme Court ruled that the conviction of John Watkins for contempt of Congress was invalid under the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment.

Protection of Witnesses; Pertinency and Related Matters. —A witness appearing before a congressional committee is entitled to require of the committee a demonstration of its authority to inquire into his activities and a showing that the questions asked of him are pertinent to the committee’s area of inquiry.

The Constitution says nothing about congressional investigations and oversight, but the authority to conduct investigations is implied since Congress possesses “all legislative powers.” The Supreme Court determined that the framers intended for Congress to seek out information when crafting or reviewing legislation.

In modern times, contempt of Congress has generally applied to the refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by a congressional committee or subcommittee—usually seeking to compel either testimony or the production of requested documents. …

A hearing is a meeting or session of a Senate, House, joint, or special committee of Congress, usually open to the public, to obtain information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, or evaluate/oversee the activities of a government department or the implementation of a Federal law.

Your Government in Action Watch live proceedings using “live.house.gov “.

Webcast: Please visit http://www.senate.gov/floor/index.htm to view live and archived Senate floor proceedings.

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room is located in room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. During regular hearings, the room can accommodate approximately 40 members of the public.

Each Senate committee holds confirmation hearings on presidential nominations to executive and judicial positions within its jurisdiction. These hearings often offer an opportunity for oversight into the activities of the nominee’s department or agency.

Members, 117th Congress Dick Durbin, Democratic senator from Illinois, is the current chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Members

• Senator Patrick Leahy D-VT. Official Website »
• Senator Dianne Feinstein D-CA. Official Website »
• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse D-RI. Official Website »
• Senator Amy Klobuchar D-MN. Official Website »
• Senator Christopher A. Coons D-DE.
• Senator Richard Blumenthal D-CT.
• Senator Mazie Hirono D-HI.
• Senator Cory Booker D-NJ.

Members of committees are chosen according to the seniority rule. The majority party always holds the most seats on a standing committee. The committee chair is the leader of a committee.

Committee chairs are responsible for facilitating committee meetings and reporting the committee’s findings to the board.

Hispanics are the most underrepresented minority group in both houses because they are 18% of our country, but they are only 5% of Congress.