Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

justaprogressive

(3,489 posts)
Fri May 2, 2025, 09:10 AM 13 hrs ago

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.


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."
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How AOC Can Make Oversight Great Again - The American Prospect (Original Post) justaprogressive 13 hrs ago OP
I really like her................. Lovie777 13 hrs ago #1
When I mentioned her taking the position, I was assured I didn't know what I was talking about. Gore1FL 13 hrs ago #2
Her bid didn't work out in December SocialDemocrat61 13 hrs ago #3

Gore1FL

(22,440 posts)
2. When I mentioned her taking the position, I was assured I didn't know what I was talking about.
Fri May 2, 2025, 09:30 AM
13 hrs ago

Hopefully the DUers involved will set The American Prospect straight! lol

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»How AOC Can Make Oversigh...