UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

-Both the Senate and H.O.R. have committees as well as subcommittees -Most of Congress ’ s work is done through committees -By serving on committees, congressmen become experts in specific topics -Members of committees are chosen by party leaders (request can be made) -The majority of each committee is made up of majority party members -Each committee has a chairperson -The chairperson is usually from the majority party, and has served longest Page 1 The Committee System UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

-This is known as the seniority system -Each senator sits on three-four committees -Each representative sits on one-two committees Page 2 (Continued) UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

Page 3 UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

-Standing Committees: permanent -The Senate has 18 standing committees, while the H.O.R. has 19 Page 4 Types of Committees UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

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-Standing Committees: permanent -The Senate has 18 standing committees, while the H.O.R. has 19 -Joint Committees: are made up of members of both houses, most are permanent Page 4 Types of Committees UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

Page 3 UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

-Standing Committees: permanent -The Senate has 18 standing committees, while the H.O.R. has 19 -Joint Committees: are made up of members of both houses, most are permanent -Select Committees: also known as special committees and are temporary Page 4 Types of Committees UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

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-Standing Committees: permanent -The Senate has 18 standing committees, while the H.O.R. has 19 -Joint Committees: are made up of members of both houses, most are permanent -Select Committees: also known as special committees and are temporary -Conference Committees: are temporary, made up of members of both houses and seek to work out difference between H.O.R. and Senate versions of bills Page 4 Types of Committees UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

-Have four purposes: 1.Determine whether a law is needed 2.Gather information to help write a bill 3.Educate the public on important issues 4.Look into wrongdoing by government Page 5 Committee Hearings UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees

-Have four purposes: 1.Determine whether a law is needed 2.Gather information to help write a bill 3.Educate the public on important issues 4.Look into wrongdoing by government Page 5 Committee Hearings UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees Legislative Oversight -Committees monitor how well the executive branch is carrying out the laws they pass -Committees hold the power of the purse, they threaten to use/refuse to use money for certain programs — i.e. apply pressure

U.S. Senate Page 7 Your Representatives on Committees UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #6 Powers of Congress LESSON #2 The Work of Committees Ron Johnson -Appropriations -Budget -Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs -Select Committee on Aging Tammy Baldwin -Budget -Health, Education Labor and Pensions -Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs -Select Committee on Aging U.S. House of Representatives Sean Duffy -Financial Services Committee