Congress has special powers to investigate executive branch officials through an independent counsel or special prosecutor who has unlimited resources and investigates individuals rather than crimes. These special prosecutors are very expensive and not overseen by any branch of government, with investigations like Iran-Contra costing $40 million.

1. Chapter 6
Congressional Powers

2. Special Prosecutor
(Later called “Independent Counsel”)
How differs from a regular prosecutor:
• Only executive branch officials are subject
to investigation by special prosecutor
• Prosecutor is instructed to investigate a
person; not a crime
• Unlimited resources
• Huge expenses incurred
• Not overseen by any branch of government

3. Cost of Special Prosecutor Cases
Iran-Contra: $40 million