The Legislative Branch The Committee System & Support Agencies

The Committee System Most work of Congress takes place in committees There are (at least) 35 standing committees and many subcommittees Each headed by a committee chair Chairs are chosen by the majority party and have the most seniority (Not absolute)

The Committee System Not at first Congress Standing Committee: permanent comm. w/responsibility for a particular area of policy Ex: specializing in agriculture, commerce, foreign policy, budget They have legislative, investigative, and oversight powers Under these are subcommittees comm. necessary b/c of # of bills proposed, ease workload, key power c.

The Ways and Means Committee What is the purpose of the Ways and Means committee? Is it large?

Decentralization Protects and enhances the interests of individuals, but at cost of a slowly acting Congress. 1970’s Decrease in power of committee chairs, increase of those in subcommittees, sub. chairs, individuals Result: secret ballot, may chair no more than one standing comm.

Oligarchy or Democracy? 1995: House Republicans gave committee chairs more power re. appointment This gave them more control over legislation (oligarchic) Reversed the House reforms of the 1970’s (democratic), members no longer needing seniority less democratic! 1995 reforms made leaders rely upon party members

Are Committee chairs too important? House Finance Services Committee Chair, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass) talking with reporters about the proposed $700B “Bailout Bill” 2008

Types of Committees Subcommittees: Are part of standing, continue from one session to next. Ex: Under Ways & Means- Health, Human Resources, Social Security, Trade Select Committee: temporary (may be renewed). To study one specific issue & report findings Tend to look at big problems to public -ex. Watergate, Autism

Types of Committees Joint Committees: composed of members of both houses, perform advisory or coordinating functions Ex: Conference Committees: formed temporarily to work out differences in H & S versions of bill

Which do you think are the heavyweight committees in the House?

Why are committees important? The real work of Congress is done Most bills are “killed” here Getting on right committee is crucial! Ex: to serve constituents, wield power, increase re-election chances For House: Rules, Ways and Means For Senate: Finance, Appropriations, Judiciary Things heat up in the Senate Judiciary Committee when scrutinizing nominees for the SC

Committee Power Usually, the full chamber of Congress votes to confirm decisions by committees 90% approval chance, they are experts in field, yet many amended Only 10% of bills reach the floor, most will be die in comm.

Committee Membership majority party holds majority # seats Key power centers House members often serve on two, Senate often four Biggest changes occur when party loses control of H or S (2006!) Diversity see with Dems.

Changes in Legislation 1994 the Republican majority passed term rules on H Comm. Chairs (6 yrs.) and reduced # of comm. and staff.

Support Agencies: Growth of Executive gave Leg. Branch a distinct disadvantage Solution: three agencies GAO: largest. Overseeing executive agencies spending of money, responsibility has broadened CRS: oldest and part of Library of Congress, reference, providing reports and summaries of bills

Support Agencies: CBO: newest, provides Congress with projections of the economy + govt. expenditures and revenues Now Congress a stronger policymaking body The Ford Building: Location of CBO