Final answer:
Yes, congressional committee reports are lawful as they are part of the official record required by Congress, documented in the Congressional Record. Committees play a key role in reviewing and recommending legislative actions, and their reports are accessible to the public. While the process can be politicized, as seen in the Benghazi hearings, committee reports remain a legal and vital part of legislative history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, congressional committee reports as part of the legislative history are indeed lawful. They serve as official documentation of the considerations and intentions behind legislative actions. According to Section 5 Clause 3, both chambers of Congress are required to keep and publish an official record of their sessions, including committee reports, in the Congressional Record. While committees often wield great power in shaping or even halting legislation, their reports and proceedings are considered legitimate and are aligned with the legislative process laid out by law.
The role of committees in the legislative process is well-established, and they carry out functions such as monitoring ongoing government operations, evaluating information, and making recommendations to the Senate or the House of Representatives. Although the process has evolved, and sometimes loopholes are exploited, the publication of committee reports remains part of the lawful operation of Congress. Furthermore, citizens and researchers can access these records through platforms such as Congress.gov, which stores information on federal legislation and the legislative process.
It is important for citizens to be informed about the legislative process, understand who supports specific legislation, and recognize attempts by special interests to influence lawmakers. Committee hearings and reports can, at times, become politically charged, as was seen with the House Select Committee on Benghazi, reflecting heightened partisanship rather than substantive legislative contributions.