I don't think that is true. If it were, why go through the formality of swearing people in? I believe any body hearing testimony has to swear people in if the intend to make the testimony fire proof.
Well if it weren't true then anyone could just go before Congress and lie. Oh, like they do now. hmmmm I guess I need to rethink this.
Exactly - so many of these hearings are a waste of time/money to begin with, only the swearing in of witnesses gives them any credibility at all.
Without at least oath taking, the hearings would have long ago degenerated into forums for DU ranters, conspiracy nuts, and other assorted kooks.