WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. congressional Democrats said they plan to use their newfound majority to investigate Pentagon spending and matters related to the Iraq war.
U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., who is in line to inherit the chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee when Democrats take over the house in January, said he plans to reform the subcommittee on oversight and investigations that was disbanded when Republicans took control of the House in 1994, The Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
Investigations are expected to be initiated by Democrats into a wide range of issues, including the Bush administration's handling of Iraq, the president's warrantless surveillance program and environmental policies.
"The American people sent a clear message that they do not want a rubber-stamp Congress that simply signs off the president's agenda," said Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich., who is expected to take over as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
