Witness
In Congress, a witness is a person invited to testify at a committee hearing, such as an administration official, expert, or affected citizen. Witnesses give short oral remarks and submit longer written testimony, and committee members then question them. Committees often post witness testimony on their websites, and hearings can be legislative, oversight, investigative, or focused on presidential nominations.
In Congress, a witness is a person invited to testify at a committee hearing, such as an administration official, expert, or affected citizen. Witnesses give short oral remarks and submit longer written testimony, and committee members then question them. Committees often post witness testimony on their websites, and hearings can be legislative, oversight, investigative, or focused on presidential nominations.
Example: At a legislative hearing on a bill, invited witnesses, such as a federal agency official and affected stakeholders, provide oral and written testimony, and committee members take turns asking them questions.
Common misconception: A congressional witness is not on trial; a hearing is an information-gathering proceeding, though witnesses who refuse to appear or answer can face contempt proceedings.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42843; https://www.senate.gov/committees/committees_faq.htm