And open hearings would hold them accountable when they conspire with others for such purposes.
Regardless, I have listened to the reasoned arguements given by other posters on this thread and have conceded the issue.
First, no one needs to disclose an alterior motive when one can claim the apparent motive. Second, hearings do not ordinarily cross gov't branches. Third, we can judge the results ourselves. Fourth, the cure is the voting booth.