Historical1975
Church Committee Hearings Begin
The Senate Select Committee chaired by Senator Frank Church began public hearings investigating abuses by the CIA, NSA, FBI, and IRS. The committee uncovered illegal surveillance programs, assassination plots against foreign leaders, and domestic spying on American citizens.
Why It Matters
The Church Committee led to major intelligence reforms including the creation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and permanent congressional intelligence oversight committees, reinforcing checks on government power.