Congressional Oversight

The U.S. Congress provides formal oversight of TVA through two committees: the Environment and Public Works Committee of the Senate and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The Environment and Public Works Committee has jurisdiction over matters such as new federal building construction, the interstate highway system, flood control and navigation projects, air and water pollution control, rural and community economic development, natural disaster relief, endangered species, fish and wildlife refuges, and the regulation of nonmilitary nuclear power.

The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has jurisdiction over matters relating to water resources development, conservation, and management, water pollution control, water infrastructure, and hazardous waste cleanup.

TVA routinely submits budget information to the Office of Management and Budget, and TVA’s budget is included in the consolidated budget of the U.S. government. Additionally, TVA’s financial results are included in the federal government’s financial statements, which are coordinated with the U.S. Treasury and subject to audit by the Government Accountability Office, the audit, investigative, and evaluation arm of Congress.

TVA is subject to the Government Performance and Results Act, which requires that a strategic plan and annual performance reports be submitted to Congress. TVA also submits quarterly operational reports to Congress. In addition, TVA’s Inspector General, who is appointed by the President, submits a semiannual report to Congress describing the results of audits and investigations involving TVA that are conducted by his office.