Meet Robert Morris, the Founding Father who asked Congress to examine his financial dealings in 1790.
An 1867 engraving of Robert Morris, who sought a congressional investigation of his financial dealings. By Michael S. Rosenwald Michael S. Rosenwald Enterprise reporter focusing on history, the social sciences, and culture. Email Bio Follow March 11 at 5:55 PM Back in his day, Robert Morris was a pretty big deal. He was just one of two men to sign all three of our nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
In 1790, fed up with constant attacks in the media, Morris did something truly extraordinary: He wrote a letter to President George Washington and both houses of Congress asking — almost begging — to be investigated. [Target of the first congressional probe of a president in U.S. history? George Washington, of course.]
Last week, the House Judiciary Committee — now controlled by Democrats — sent letters requesting information to more than 80 Trump associates, including the president’s two eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. If they resist, subpoenas could follow.Back when Morris made his request, the idea of Congress conducting investigations was new, but not entirely novel.
Therefore, it was the job of the House of Representatives, Wilson wrote, to “form the grand inquest of the state” and “diligently inquire into grievances arising from both men and things.”“The Constitution,” according to a Congressional Research Service paper, “provided no express powers for Congress to investigate, issue subpoenas, or to punish for contempt.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ex-Army intelligence analyst Manning jailed for defying grand jury subpoenaFormer U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was taken to jail on Frida...
Read more »
Chelsea Manning continues to fight grand jury subpoenaA judge rejected an effort from Chelsea Manning to quash a subpoena demanding her testimony in an apparent investigation of Wikileaks, the former Army intelligence analyst said Tuesday. But Manning said after the hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, that she will continue her...
Read more »
Chelsea Manning ordered to jail after refusing to testify to grand jury investigating WikiLeaks“In solidarity with many activists facing the odds, I will stand by my principles,' said the former U.S. intelligence analyst of her refusal to testify in a WikiLeaks investigation.
Read more »
Opinion | In voting against Trump’s emergency declaration, Congress can regain its powerCongress is now looking around — shaking its power piggy bank — to try to find where it has left its authority.
Read more »
Trump Organization's insurance records subpoenaed by NY financial regulator as investigations widenTrump Organization insurance provider subpoenaed by New York Department of Financial Services, adding new investigation to the probes focused on Trump
Read more »
‘Subpoenas are coming’: Colbert trolls Trump in the latest of the ‘Game of Thrones’ meme war'Subpoenas are coming': Colbert trolls Trump in the latest of the 'Game of Thrones' meme war
Read more »
Chelsea Manning fights subpoena in Wikileaks probeThe former Army private appeared Tuesday at a sealed hearing in federal court in Alexandria.
Read more »
NY regulators subpoena Trump Organization's insurer as part of big probe of business
Read more »