1. Congressional Committees

2. EXAM FOCUS
What is the role of Committee Chairmen in Congress, and why have they been the subject of criticism? 10 5 8 4 6 3 4 2 2 1

3. Indicative Content
Committee chairmen in the House of Representatives have traditionally been extremely powerful. They are able to: pigeonhole bills, blocking their further progress, substantially rewrite bills, and actively work with other members of the committee to promote a bill. They have been criticised because, in the past, their appointment through seniority meant they have been able to run their committees as independent fiefdoms, for the benefit of themselves, their constituents and groups supporting them, and to disregard party and national interests. They may become one corner of an iron triangle. However, since 1994, successive Speakers have moved to restrict the power of committee chairmen by: imposing term limits, disregarding seniority in appointment and rewarding party loyalty, in addition to intervening directly in the committees’ proceedings to secure the outcome they want. In the Senate, the tradition of unrestricted debate, the ability of a minority to block the passage of legislation and a more collegial atmosphere mean that chairmen have traditionally been less dominant than their House counterparts. Nevertheless, committee chairmen are still able to exercise significant influence, as was seen in the role of chairmen such as Max Baucus during the passage of the health care legislation in

4. Learning Objectives
To identify and explain the significance of the role of committees
To examine criticism of the role of committees

5. What does this suggest about the significance of Committees?
‘The house sits, not for serious discussion, but to sanction the
conclusions of its committees as rapidly as possible. It
legislates in its committee rooms, not by the determination of
majorities, but by the specially commissioned minorities (the
committees), so that it is not far from the truth to say that
congress in session is congress on public exhibition, whilst
congress in its committee rooms is congress at work’.
Woodrow Wilson 1885 future president WWI.
What does this suggest about the significance of
Committees?

6. Significance
Life or death over legislation; can kill legislation by not discussing it and not marking it up for debate
Chairs very powerful-can kill bill by refusing to
schedule them for debate, push through favourite bill.
Log rolling; bargaining over votes, e.g. Republican offer to support a traditionally Democrat bill in return for Democrat supporting a traditionally Republican issue. Often takes place between committees.

7. Criticism
Decentralised Ever smaller groups dictate what legislation gets passed. Role of congress as a whole is very limited as decision of committees are usually adhered to. Worsened in the 1970’s with the growth of sub-committees.
Inefficiency Multiple points of veto therefore slow and clumsy. Major legislation may cross the range of many committees- many points for a veto.
Over-Amending Amendments made due to log rolling – so many amendments final bill may not resemble original bill
Speed Slow-hearings are a major cause of delays

8. Criticism 5. Iron Triangles Congressional committee Health Committee
Funding and electoral support
Approve budget & support exec legis
Pharmaceutical companies
Interest groups
Department of Health
Federal Agency
Low regulation/special favours

9. Criticism
Corruption Can lead to corruption-campaign contributions in exchange for benefits of interest groups. Protects elected officials from accountability-interest groups ensure re-election. Congressmen protect interest groups over policy needs. E.g. power of drug companies-contribute hugely to political campaigns. Therefore sabotage efforts to reduce cost of prescription drugs.

10. Examine the claim that it is in the committee rooms that the real work of Congress is done.

11. OPINION/ARGUMENT (NOT FACT) – claim SPECIFICALLY – committee
Examine the claim that it is in the committee rooms that the real work of Congress is done.
COMMAND WORD – Examine
OPINION/ARGUMENT (NOT FACT) – claim
SPECIFICALLY – committee
DEFINE? - real work

12. Remember how marks are weighted!
Assessment Objective
Number of marks
% of marks
Knowledge and Understanding 12
26.6%
Intellectual Skills
Synoptic Skills
Communication and Coherence 9
20%
TOTAL 45
100%

13. Examine the claim that it is in the committee rooms that the real work of Congress is done.
Introduction
Paragraph 1 P A C E
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
Conclusion

14. Homework
Reading and Note Taking, Chapter 5, Voting in Congress, p