The three independent oversight panels set up by Congress in the bipartisan CARES Act almost four months ago have all encountered serious obstacles — sometimes because of resistance from the White House, other times due to drafting oversights in the authorizing legislation.

As a result, lawmakers and the public may not have a full understanding of how coronavirus relief aid is being spent until after the election. In the meantime, Congress and the White House are moving toward another pandemic bill that’s expected to carry a price tag of at least $1 trillion.