House Investigations to Date Offer Clues to Future Targets | Insights

Key Points

House committees have been active in 2025, launching investigations into a wide range of institutions, from social media companies to banks, technology companies and universities.
Federal funding for environmental projects, academic admissions policies and public broadcasting have all come under House scrutiny, as has alleged censorship of the private sector by foreign and domestic influences.
The investigations to date have come less than a year into this session of Congress, and more are likely to be launched over the next year based on the stated objectives of the administration and the committees.
Companies may want to examine the House committees’ actions to date and clearly stated priorities to best prepare for investigations that could affect them.

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House of Representatives Rule X requires each authorizing committee to submit a plan by March 1 after the start of a new Congress outlining the committee’s oversight objectives for the two-year congressional period. Among the House’s most active oversight and investigations committees are the:

A review of some of the more significant private sector-focused investigations initiated in 2025 illustrates that these committees have stayed true to their oversight plans for the 119th Congress. And although a number of oversight priorities have not yet been initiated, those outstanding priorities are the likely subjects of future investigations.

Relevant private sector industries may want to consider the committees’ pending investigations and clearly stated priorities to best prepare for potential inquiries down the road.

Investigative Priorities

Each committee’s priorities vary, but a number of industries appear to be of particular interest across the House’s investigative agenda. The below list, though not exhaustive, summarizes the major industries and subject areas of focus.

Social media companies: The alleged roles of social media in illicit drug distribution, child social media dependence and the proliferation of child sexual abuse material.
Health care companies: The handling of sensitive consumer medical information, the effectiveness and availability of medical devices and regulated drugs, and the alleged withholding of public health information to influence elections.
Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) companies: The security of consumer data when sharing with third-party service providers, alleged foreign censorship of speech on American platforms, and consumer protections for civil and constitutional rights.
Financial institutions: The alleged debanking of digital asset firms by large financial institutions, the growing threat of fraud and money laundering, money transmission and the use of third-party payment providers, and effective oversight of credit rating agencies.
Environmental organizations/grant recipients: The selection criteria for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grant recipients and fraud, alleged waste or abuse of federal funding.
Federally funded radio and television networks: The accuracy of information broadcasted and coverage of ideological and partisan views.
Colleges and universities: The criteria for admission and staff promotion, alleged efforts to restrict student speech, discontinuation of DEI programs and compliance with Title VI.
Major sports leagues: The coordinated broadcasting activities of major sports leagues and legal sufficiency of laws granting them immunity from antitrust liability.

To date, key House committees have engaged in the following activities that align with the priorities listed in their March 2025 investigative plans.

Energy and Commerce Committee

Investigation into eight Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grant recipients and selection procedures used by the Biden administration.
Investigation into a direct-to-consumer personal genomics and biotechnology company and its handling of sensitive medical and genetic information.

Judiciary Committee

Request for documents and a transcribed interview with large public university regarding criteria for staff promotion and compliance with Title VI.
Subpoenas issued to several American technology companies regarding alleged foreign censorship of speech on their platforms.
Investigation into alleged executive branch censorship of major AI companies.
Request for documents and communications from a large pharmaceutical company regarding the alleged withholding of public health information to influence the presidential election.
Request for briefing from four major sports leagues regarding sufficiency of laws providing broad immunity from antitrust liability.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

Request for information from six executives of cryptocurrency and blockchain companies regarding alleged debanking by large financial institutions.
Request for testimony from two federally funded radio and television networks regarding coverage of ideological and partisan views.
Investigation into a major university’s compliance with Title VI, including the requirement for merit-based hiring and admissions reform, and discontinuation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Subpoena issued to online political fundraising platform regarding alleged acceptance of fraudulent donations from domestic and international sources.

Financial Services Committee

Investigation into a regulator regarding alleged pressure on large financial institutions to deny services to digital asset firms.
Hearing regarding the growing threat of money laundering and fraud in the U.S. financial system.
Hearing regarding laws that regulate consumer financial data privacy and areas for improved protection.

Looking Forward

The House’s priorities continue to evolve in tandem with the Trump administration and current events. As fresh agendas take shape, so, too, do the areas of interest for oversight and inquiry.

Private sector industries should consider remaining attuned to these evolving priorities and signals of heightened scrutiny. By proactively monitoring committee investigative agendas, relevant industries can take steps to assess exposure risks and align internal practices to mitigate the risk of investigation.

This memorandum is provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and its affiliates for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This memorandum is considered advertising under applicable state laws.