Armstrong Investigation

The Armstrong Committee, formally the Joint Committee of the Senate and Assembly of the State of New York to Investigate and Examine into the Business and Affairs of Life Insurance Companies Doing Business in the State of New York was a committee established by the New York State Legislature in late 1905 to investigate life insurance companies operating in New York. The investigation culminated in a report which highlighted questionable practices in the insurance industry, and made several recommendations of changes to be made. The committee conducted 51 investigatory sessions and its recommendations were incorporated into eight New York State statutes.

One recommendation adopted in New York and several other states was a restriction on policies with lengthy deferred payouts, including the 19th century version of tontines. A prohibition on political campaign contributions by such corporations was also recommended.

The committee is credited with launching the political career of Charles Evans Hughes.