As Democrats flaunt new powers, all eyes on their ability to govern

WASHINGTON — On election night, staffers for Sen. Maria Cantwell watching the national returns on TV at the Seattle Sheraton began chanting "Oversight! Oversight! Oversight!"

CNN had just announced that the Democrats had won the House majority. Oversight had been a rallying cry for Cantwell's gang and many other Democrats in the mid-term races.

But shortly after Nov. 7, oversight became the target of dismissive comments by Republicans who suggested that incoming Democratic leaders would paralyze Congress with investigations into minor matters that happened in the distant past.

Democrats say that oversight — checking on the use of government money, and tracking whether agencies are doing what they are supposed to — has been in short supply and high demand in recent years.

"Finally, we can demand answers," said Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Bremerton, because Democrats can now call hearings and name their own witnesses. Dicks would like the Environmental Protection Agency to explain which pollution standards it's enforcing in Puget Sound, and which ones he thinks it's ignoring.

For Cantwell, oversight power means she can force the CEOs of energy companies to testify before Congress under oath about gasoline-price increases. Oil-industry leaders weren't sworn in when they testified during Commerce Committee hearings in November 2005.

Democrats also can force the Federal Trade Commission to allow government researchers to discuss their investigations of energy and gasoline pricing patterns in detail.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, sits on the House Armed Services Committee, which is considering a new subcommittee to watch over the Iraq war, its costs and the private companies providing contract services.

Smith wants to review the extensive use of the National Guard and Reserves in Iraq, an issue that matters to military families in the state and of Armed Forces members facing unexpected and longer tours overseas.

Of course, what Democrats do with the information they gather from their new oversight powers will be the real test of their ability to govern.

But for those moaning that Democrats will now issue subpoenas to the White House by the crate load, remember: The GOP issued more than 1,000 subpoenas during the Clinton administration, including one asking about the White House's use of postage for a fan club devoted to Socks the cat.

Democrats contend they can't beat that record, and won't try.

Letter from Washington is an examination of the culture of politics and power in the nation's capital. Alicia Mundy can be reached at 202-622-7457 or at amundy@seattletimes.com.