He is known for his pointed questions and criticisms of members of both the Clinton[citation needed] and George W. Bush administrations.

Ben-Veniste was an assistant U.S. attorney (1968–1973) in the Southern District of New York, and chief of the Special Prosecutions section, (1971–1973).

He was the Democrats' chief counsel (1995–1996)[2] on the Senate Whitewater Committee which investigated a variety of allegations involving Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Ben-Veniste was a member (2002) of the 9/11 Commission, where he developed a reputation for asking tough questions and demanding access to sensitive documents, although in some circles he was accused of grandstanding.

[8] His interrogation of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was contentious, and led to the declassification of the previously secret August 6, 2001, President's Daily Brief: "Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States."