1. Aim: What type of Committees exist in Congress?
Do Now:
If you had a large job to do, how would you address the issue? With help or alone?

2. Facts of Congress - Committees

3. Committees and their Purpose
Committees help Congress by dividing work among smaller groups, allowing members to specialize on key issues
Committees discuss and select the most important bills Congress will consider
Committees hold public hearings on key problems and issues to inform the public

4. Committees of Congress
Standing Committee
Select Committees
Joint Committees
Conference Committees
Membership is based on Seniority System

5. The Role of Committees Standing Committees
Standing committees: permanent committees that address broad topics
Subcommittees: a smaller group within a standing committee that specializes in areas
Select committees: a small group of members who perform a special function in a standing committee
Joint committees includes both House and Senate members; address issues that affect both chambers

6. Conference Committees
Works out a compromise to a bill if the bill does not pass the same way in both houses
Involves senior members from both houses

9. Committees in the Senate
Types of Senate Committees
20 standing committees and 68 subcommittees and 4 Joint committees
Assignments allow senators to become familiar with specific issues of public policy
Membership in Committees
Usually serve on three committees and five subcommittees
Members seek assignments that align with constituents’ concerns and personal interests
Committee Chairs
No senator can chair more than one committee
Committee chairmanships generally chosen by seniority rule
Senate Committee Power
Top nominees of president reviewed by relevant Senate committee
Debate and vote on treaties, need two-thirds majority to become law

11. What determines Committee Membership?
Members are assigned to committees by the majority parties
Each committee's size and proportion of Republicans to Democrats must be decided by the party leaders.
Parties will select members based on seniority and political philosophies
The total number of committee seats allotted to each party is approximately the same as the ratio between majority party and minority party members in the full Chamber.