Does the Senate subpoena U.S. citizens?
A couple of days ago I seen the CEO of Murray Energy (Bob Muray), the mining company that the 6 trapped miners work for, appear before a Senate committee to answer questions regarding the safety of the employed miners of the company. How is this so? Is it possible/likely that the Senate subpoenaed him? If so, under what authority? I know the Senate can subpoena other senate and executive members but how does it apply to other U.S. citizens? Serious answers only please. Thanks!
Answers:
The houses of Congress have the authority to investigate matters that is coextensive with their power to legislate. (In other words, Congress can investigate anything it can pass a bill about.) The power to investigate includes the power to issue subpoenas. However, most people who testify in front of Congress do so voluntarily and subpoenas are not necessary. Still, if the Senate (or House or committee) so decides, they can issue a subpoena for anyone, U.S. citizens included (for example, subpoenas have recently been issued for top aides to the president, who are U.S. citizens).
Of course, there must be a valid legislative "hook" for this power to apply. Congress does not have general police power (to legislate "for the general welfare") like states do. Therefore, there must be an enumerated Congressional power that is the basis for the investigaton (in the mines case, probably interstate commerce).
The Senate can Subpoena a corporation, and because he is the CEO of the company he is their representative.
yes, Congress has plenary authority to subpoena anyone in the U.S. as an "investigative subpoena" to perform their legislative oversight duties. I believe they are enforced by the U.S. Marshal's service.
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