Five Ways the House of Representatives Protects National Security

1. Conducting Investigations and Hearings

The House of Representatives has the authority to conduct investigations and hold hearings on matters related to national security.

These investigations and hearings allow the House to gather information, assess threats, and make recommendations to the executive branch.

For example, the House Intelligence Committee conducted an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The House of Representatives has oversight authority over the U.S. intelligence community.

This oversight includes reviewing the budgets and activities of intelligence agencies, such as the CIA and NSA.

The House also has the authority to approve or reject the appointment of the Director of National Intelligence.

The House of Representatives has the power to pass legislation related to national security.

This legislation can include funding for defense programs, authorization for military action, and changes to intelligence laws.

For example, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which authorizes $840 billion in defense spending.

The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach the President of the United States.

Impeachment is a political process that can result in the removal of the President from office.

The House has impeached two presidents in history: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998.

The House of Representatives provides a forum for debate on matters related to national security.

Members of the House can speak on the House floor, introduce legislation, and offer amendments to bills.

This debate helps to inform the public and shape public policy on national security issues.