Should lying under oath generally be a crime, then?
Or is there something special about doing so when Congress administers the oath. Should Congress be able to have oath-breaking enforced more than the rest of us?
Perjury is essentially lying under oath. But there is a difference between lying under oath to a court of law (to which under our constitution gives the judicial power) and lying under oath to you or me (to whom it doesn't). I can sue you for breach of your promise if we have a contractual relationship, but that's a civil matter not a criminal one the way perjury is.
Why is lying under oath to Congress more like lying to the court under oath than it is like lying to me under oath? And should it be?
I don't think the answer is at all obvious here. And I personally would argue that criminalizing lying to congress, under oath or otherwise, is the wrong side of the fence. For two reasons.
First, Congress, unlike me, has an intimate relationship with the executive "enforcement" wing of the state -- they make the laws that enable enforcement of their legislative will. In short, they can by the nature of what they do put the threat of force behind their will -- they don't need yet another threat-making ability of "obstruction".
Think of what would happen if someone refuses to testify to Congress under oath. Can you say "no, thanks, sorry, not today" without being thought of having something evil to hide? I don't think so. The only people who do that are criminals and unpatriotic slugs. And Congresscritters, like the bullies they are, like all bullies, are going to encourage with their control over the big elevated chairs and the ears of every network microphone for us to think just that.
When an essential part of political participation should be the ability to say "none of your fucking business." If I'm a criminal, it's not the legislature's job to bring me to justice and make me talk. It's the judicial system.
Second, Congressional committees aren't "fact finders" the way the courts are. They aren't bound by rules of civil and criminal procedure, or by the Federal Rules of Evidence. They are politicians with agendas. They are not disinterested appliers of the law. Their interest is not with applying the law to the facts, their interest is making the laws. Usually in lines with their particular biases and ideologies and interests.
Judges are not unbiased or free of these problems of course. But unlike congresscritters, they don't decide civil cases, much less criminal ones, as advocates. Congressmen and Congresswomen do.
Morally, should I be expected to tell the truth. Sure. To everyone.
Legally, should I be subject to jail if I lie under oath. No.
Not unless the person I'm lying to is "someone special". Like a court.
IMO, Congressional committees fail to meet the basic "someone special" requirement.
Not unless your definition of someone special is "fertilizer producer."
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)