What is the statutory authorization for the Independent Counsel?
A. The Independent Counsel statute must be reauthorized to remain in effect. It was last reauthorized for five years in 1994, so it will expire on June 30, 1999, without further Congressional action. There are many suggestions concerning the law, ranging from full reauthorization to permitting the law to lapse. Among the most prominent suggestions are to limit the number of high government officials subject to investigation; limit the conduct which can be investigated; limit the scope, expense and time of an investigation; provide more discretion to the U.S. Attorney General in the initial review; and change the reporting requirements.
