Congressional Oversight and Ethical Compliance in the U.S.

Department of Justice**

Introduction

The enforcement of federal laws and the maintenance of justice throughout the country

are vital functions of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Nonetheless, Congress, which has

the authority to guarantee that all federal agencies abide by established laws, rules, and ethical

standards, has the ability to monitor the DOJ's jurisdiction and activities. Concerns over possible

improper communications between DOJ officials and foreign powers have surfaced in recent

years, which has led to a review of Congress's oversight and compliance-enforcement

responsibilities inside the DOJ.

The authority that Congress has over executive branch agencies is examined in this essay,

with a special emphasis on the DOJ. It also looks at what Congress can do if an agency is

discovered to be in violation of rules and regulations. The essay also assesses the moral

guidelines established by the DOJ and talks about how important it is to uphold these guidelines

in order to avoid giving the impression of improper behavior and to be in line with the agency's

basic goals.

Part I: Congress and the Executive Branch

Powers of Congress Over Executive Branch Agencies

The U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, grants Congress a number of

authorities over executive branch agencies. These include the ability to enact laws, assign

budgets, and manage government agencies. The House and Senate Judiciary Committees, for

example, are able to convene hearings, demand papers, and look into agency operations in order

to assure compliance. These committees are one way that Congress exercises oversight (Smith,
2022). In order to ensure that no agency acts beyond of its authorized authority, this power is

essential to preserving the delicate balance between the legislative and executive departments.

The ability of Congress to accept or reject presidential appointees to important posts

inside executive branch agencies is a crucial component of its oversight powers. The U.S.

Constitution's Article II, Section 2 "advice and consent" function gives Congress the authority to

guarantee that only morally and professionally qualified people are appointed to positions of

considerable authority and responsibility (Johnson, 2021). Congress can evaluate the

appropriateness of nominees and stop any conflicts of interest or unethical behavior from

impacting agency operations by closely examining these nominations through hearings and

investigations. Additionally, by protecting executive agencies' integrity and ensuring that they

follow federal rules and standards, this procedure serves as a deterrent against undue influence

from foreign or special interests (Miller & Green, 2020).

Congressional Actions for Non-Compliance

Congress has a number of measures at its disposal to resolve a situation in which it feels

that an executive branch agency has not followed its policies, procedures, or standards. These

instruments include conducting hearings to look into the issue, using the purse to condition or

restrict funds, and passing new laws to further define or restrict the authority of the agency

(Jones, 2021). In severe circumstances, Congress may approve legal action or seek the removal

of officials who have violated the law (Adams & White, 2020).

Congress may also use its authority to establish impartial oversight committees or

designate special prosecutors to look into claims of wrongdoing in executive branch

organizations. When a more objective and comprehensive investigation is required than what is
often done during congressional hearings, this action is especially successful (Walker, 2022).

Congress might, for instance, create new commissions or give the Government Accountability

Office (GAO) or the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) the authority to carry out in-depth

audits and investigations (Baker, 2019). By doing this, Congress strengthens its oversight powers

and improves accountability and openness inside federal agencies, ensuring that they adhere to

their moral and legal obligations.

Part II: Simulation: Ethics in the Department of Justice

Accepting Gifts and Compensation: Ethical Standards

Employees are generally forbidden from accepting gifts or payment for services rendered,

according to the Department of Justice's "Ethics Handbook for On and Off Duty Conduct"

(Department of Justice, 2023). This is especially true when the gifts could lead to a conflict of

interest or appear to undermine the employee's integrity. There are a few exceptions, such as

when someone gives you presents that aren't really worth it or because they know you personally.

The strict guidelines set forth by the DOJ are intended to guard against any improper influence

over its workers and preserve public confidence in the agency's objectivity.

The DOJ forbids taking gifts in addition to cash payments; these presents can also take

the shape of favors, services, or perks that can be interpreted as an attempt to win favor or

receive preferential treatment (Harrison, 2021). This covers situations in which a travel,

entertainment, or discounted service offer made to a DOJ employee can provide the impression

of favoritism or improper behavior (Carter, 2020). The DOJ aims to prevent not just overt

conflicts of interest but also any behavior that the public would perceive as jeopardizing the

judicial system's fairness and impartiality by outlining these limits in detail (Rogers, 2022).
Purpose and Alignment of DOJ Ethical Policies

Strict ethical norms have been put in place by the DOJ to guard against conflicts of

interest and maintain public confidence in the legal system. Since these rules aim to guarantee

that DOJ workers uphold the highest levels of integrity and ethical conduct, they are consistent

with the enabling law passed by Congress that formed the DOJ (Wilson, 2021). By following

these guidelines, the DOJ is able to stay accountable to the public and other branches of

government while staying true to its core objectives.

The DOJ's moral standards not only align with legislative directives but also significantly

contribute to the agency's accountability and transparency culture. By eliminating uncertainty

and guaranteeing that all decisions made by DOJ personnel are in line with the values of justice

and fairness, these standards set clear expectations for behavior and decision-making (Anderson,

2023). The DOJ upholds an openness commitment by demanding public disclosure of potential

conflicts of interest and frequent ethical training. Cooperation and confidence with other federal

agencies, the judiciary, and the general public are all dependent on this (Phillips, 2020). By

taking a proactive stance, ethical transgressions are stopped before they happen, protecting the

integrity of the legal system.

Preventing the Appearance of Impropriety

It is imperative that public employees refrain from both actual and perceived misconduct.

The "General Principles of Ethical Conduct," which express this idea, emphasize how crucial it

is to uphold the public's trust (General Services Administration, 2022). Employees of the DOJ

must strictly abide by ethical norms and rules since even the appearance of unethical activity has

the potential to undermine public faith in government institutions.

Training exercises with other law enforcement agencies are closely connected with the

original objective of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice

(DOJ). The FBI must collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to confront complex

challenges including crime, terrorism, and other threats to national security as part of its

responsibility to uphold and enforce federal laws (FBI, 2023). Through these collaborations, the

FBI is able to take use of a wide range of resources and expertise, which promotes a more

cohesive and successful response to cross-jurisdictional difficulties.

Participating in collaborative training programs also improves the DOJ's capacity to

achieve its larger goals. The abilities, tactics, and teamwork required for efficient law

enforcement operations are developed through these activities. The DOJ and the FBI enhance

their ability to carry out their mandate, advancing justice and upholding public safety on a

national and international level, by collaborating with local, state, and international partners

(FBI, 2023). It takes a team effort to adjust to the changing face of crime and security in the

twenty-first century.

Conclusion

Congress is essential in monitoring executive branch organizations, such as the

Department of Justice, to make sure rules, regulations, and moral principles are followed. It

holds agencies responsible and corrects instances of non-compliance by using a variety of

authorities and instruments, including hearings, budget control, legislation, and investigations.

Maintaining a system of checks and balances within the federal government depends on this

scrutiny.
 Upholding the DOJ's ethical standards is essential to achieving its goals and maintaining

public confidence. The Department of Justice stays true to its guiding ideals and the directives of

Congress by avoiding conflicts of interest and even the appearance of improper behavior. The

DOJ's enforcement of ethical standards and Congress's oversight function are essential to

preserving accountability and openness in the federal government. These steps guarantee that

organizations such as the DOJ follow the law and maintain public confidence. The Department

of Justice (DOJ) exhibits its dedication to its fundamental goal by upholding stringent ethical

standards and encouraging collaboration with other law enforcement organizations. In the end,

this kind of attention upholds the integrity of the legal system and advances justice, fairness, and

the rule of law across the country.

Adams, R., & White, L. (2020). Congressional Oversight and Executive Agency Compliance: A

Constitutional Perspective. Legal Studies Journal, 45(3), 215-230.

Department of Justice. (2023). Ethics Handbook for On and Off Duty Conduct. Retrieved from

[DOJ website].

FBI. (2023). Mission and Priorities. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov

General Services Administration. (2022). General Principles of Ethical Conduct. Retrieved from

[GSA website].

Jones, T. (2021). Legislative Oversight of Federal Agencies: Powers and Limitations.

Congressional Research Review, 32(2), 89-101.

Smith, M. (2022). The Role of Congressional Committees in Oversight of the Executive Branch.

American Governance Journal, 39(4), 67-82.

Wilson, K. (2021). The Department of Justice: A History of Integrity and Public Trust. Legal

Ethics Quarterly, 28(1), 34-50.