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How AOC Can Make Oversight Great Again - The American Prospect
In April 1994, former Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) convened a landmark series of “Big Tobacco” hearings. CEOs like William Campbell of Philip Morris testified under oath that “nicotine is not addictive.” The hearings drew considerable public attention and helped catalyze legal action, leading to a historic settlement where tobacco companies agreed to pay over $200 billion. Images of Big Tobacco CEOs holding their hands up to be sworn in became an iconic symbol of the U.S. government holding corporations accountable.
That hearing was held in a subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, but Waxman would go on to chair the House Oversight Committee, serving as the top watchdog of the Bush administration. In the time since, Democrats have failed to use the political theater and drama of congressional oversight to produce enough “nicotine is not addictive” moments that clarify for the American people who stands against corporate greed and deception.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could fix that.
The New York Democrat is reportedly weighing another bid to become the top Democrat, or ranking member, on the House Oversight Committee. In December, AOC lost the high-profile job to then-74-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), after Nancy Pelosi campaigned against her. The contest was a generational battle, with some questioning Connolly’s capacity to handle the position after recovering from a cancer diagnosis, amid fresh memories of Joe Biden’s diminishment.
This week, Connolly announced that he’ll soon step down, because his cancer has returned. He’s looking to anoint the 70-year-old Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) as his successor, potentially setting up another generational fight. AOC, who has since left the Oversight Committee, would need a waiver to seek the post. Some have also questioned whether the Oversight stage is now too small for AOC, given the large crowds turning out to her rallies with Bernie Sanders across the country.
That hearing was held in a subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, but Waxman would go on to chair the House Oversight Committee, serving as the top watchdog of the Bush administration. In the time since, Democrats have failed to use the political theater and drama of congressional oversight to produce enough “nicotine is not addictive” moments that clarify for the American people who stands against corporate greed and deception.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could fix that.
The New York Democrat is reportedly weighing another bid to become the top Democrat, or ranking member, on the House Oversight Committee. In December, AOC lost the high-profile job to then-74-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), after Nancy Pelosi campaigned against her. The contest was a generational battle, with some questioning Connolly’s capacity to handle the position after recovering from a cancer diagnosis, amid fresh memories of Joe Biden’s diminishment.
This week, Connolly announced that he’ll soon step down, because his cancer has returned. He’s looking to anoint the 70-year-old Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) as his successor, potentially setting up another generational fight. AOC, who has since left the Oversight Committee, would need a waiver to seek the post. Some have also questioned whether the Oversight stage is now too small for AOC, given the large crowds turning out to her rallies with Bernie Sanders across the country.
https://prospect.org/politics/2025-05-02-how-aoc-can-make-oversight-great-again/
"If the stage feels too small, it’s only because Democrats haven’t used it to put on a show."
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