Congress Examines Contempt Proceedings Against HEW Secretary Califano in 1978 Session
Washington D.C. – August 22, 2025 – A significant congressional proceeding from the past, specifically a business meeting of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, sheds light on a critical moment in the relationship between the legislative and executive branches. The committee print, published on August 22, 1978, details the proceedings concerning contempt proceedings against Joseph A. Califano, Jr., then Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).
This historical document, now accessible through the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s GovInfo, provides valuable insight into the congressional oversight function and the mechanisms employed when executive branch officials are perceived to be withholding information or obstructing legislative inquiry. The meeting, held on August 16, 1978, during the second session of the Ninety-fifth Congress, focused on the actions taken by Secretary Califano and the subsequent consideration of holding him in contempt.
Contempt of Congress is a serious matter, representing a failure to comply with a lawful order or subpoena issued by either house of Congress or its committees. Such proceedings are typically initiated when an executive branch official refuses to provide requested testimony or documents deemed essential for legislative oversight. The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, as a standing committee charged with scrutinizing the operations of government agencies, would have been deeply involved in ensuring the Executive Branch’s adherence to its responsibilities.
The specific details within this committee print would likely outline the nature of the dispute between the Subcommittee and Secretary Califano. This could involve disagreements over the scope of a subpoena, the relevance of requested information to ongoing investigations, or interpretations of executive privilege. The proceedings would have involved deliberations on the evidence presented, legal arguments, and ultimately, a decision on whether to recommend articles of contempt to the full House of Representatives.
Such actions underscore the vital role Congress plays in holding the executive branch accountable. By examining and publishing these proceedings, the government ensures transparency and provides a historical record of how inter-branch disputes are managed within the framework of American governance. The document serves as a testament to the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. system, where legislative bodies have the authority to investigate and, when necessary, to hold executive officials accountable for their actions.
This particular committee print offers a window into a specific instance where congressional oversight was asserted, providing valuable context for understanding the ongoing dynamics between the legislative and executive branches of the United States government.
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govinfo.gov CongressionalCommittee Prints published ‘House Committee Print 95-76 – Contempt proceedings against Secretary of HEW Joseph A. Califano, Jr.: business meeting of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives Ninety-fifth Congress, second session. August 16, 1978.’ at 2025-08-22 14:55. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.