Congress and the Balance of Power

Events of the past few years raise the question whether Congress has abdicated too much power and ceded too much territory to the executive and judicial branches. This plenary panel discussed the balance of power among the branches of federal government with a focus on congressional power. Has the balance shifted significantly in the 110th Congress? In connection with the war in Iraq, has Congress exercised its war powers appropriately? Has it used its oversight power properly? What is necessary to ensure the constittuional balance among the three branches of government? What work remains to be done?

• Walter E. Dellinger III, O'Melveny & Myers LLP; former U.S. Solicitor General
• Elena Kagan, Dean & Professor of Law, Harvard Law School
• Beth Nolan, Crowell & Moring; former White House Counsel
• John Podesta, President & CEO, Center for American Progress; former White House Chief of Staff
• Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA)
• George J. Terwilliger III, White & Case LLP; former Deputy Attorney General
• Ronald H. Weich, Chief Counsel, Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Link to introduction: Real Video / Windows Media
Link to panel discussion: Real Video / Windows Media