Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs' chief investigative subcommittee. It serves as the Senate's primary investigative body, responsible for studying and examining the efficiency and economy of operations across all branches of government. Unlike most subcommittees that focus on specific policy areas, the PSI operates with a broad mandate to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse in government operations.

The subcommittee's jurisdiction spans government accountability and criminal investigations. It investigates compliance with federal laws and regulations, examines organized crime and syndicated crime, and probes investment fraud schemes, commodity and security fraud, computer fraud, and the use of offshore banking to facilitate criminal activity. The subcommittee also has authority over national security matters. This wide-ranging mandate reflects its historical roots dating back to the Truman Committee of World War II, which exposed waste and fraud in the war effort.

Chaired by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) with Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the subcommittee operates with significant independence from the full committee. It selects its own staff, issues its own subpoenas, and sets its own investigative agenda. Recent investigations have examined foreign influence efforts, including a probe into Saudi Arabian investments and attempts to influence American institutions. The subcommittee regularly holds hearings and releases investigative reports that can lead to legislative reforms and increased oversight of government operations and private sector activities affecting public welfare.