Oversight and Investigations

The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is a specialized division of the House Committee on Natural Resources that conducts investigations and oversight of federal agencies and programs within the parent committee's broad jurisdiction. While most House committees focus on drafting and advancing legislation, this subcommittee serves a distinct watchdog function, examining how federal agencies implement existing laws and policies.

The subcommittee has authority over all activities, policies, and programs overseen by the full Natural Resources Committee, which includes the Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce, as well as the Council on Environmental Quality. Its stated mission is to expose waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring transparent and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Chaired by Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) with Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-OR), the subcommittee has held multiple oversight hearings in recent months. Recent hearing topics have included America's mineral supply chains, public-private partnerships on public lands, U.S. leadership in international conservation, and environmental litigation practices. These hearings allow the subcommittee to examine agency operations and policies before any legislative recommendations move to the full committee for consideration.