2. A group of representatives or senators assigned to become experts in a particular policy area Each rep or senator sits on more than one committee Leadership assigns members to committees – Seniority – Personal expertise – Political need

3. Partisan committee with members from each party Consider legislation within their policy area Most subdivided into subcommittees, which are focused on a particular sub-policy area How many committees are in the House? Senate?HouseSenate

4. Who serves on these committees? – In house, only house members – In senate, only senate members How long do they last? Permanent committees

5. Serve either a temporary or permanent purpose Some act in an investigative role, issuing periodic reports (ex – Joint Economic Committee) Others perform / oversee more routine, non-partisan duties (ex – Joint Cmmte on Printing or Library)

6. How many are there? FourFour Who serves on these committees? – BOTH house and senate members How long do they last? – Permanent (Existing cmmtes) OR – Temporary (Joint Committee on Atomic Energy: 1945-77) From Joint Economic Committee Website (link here)

7. Panels set up for a specific purpose, usually for a limited time Must be renewed each Congress, unless a “permanent select cmmte” Most are formed to investigate a current matter (ex – Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities) List of Special Committees List

8. Who serves on these committees? – House OR Senate members, but not both How long do they last? – Usually until they issue a report – OR when Congress ends (unless permanent select)

9. “Traffic Cop” of House Unique to House Process – After bill leaves a standing committee – Rules Committee sets the “rules” for floor debate (time of debate on bill; allow amendments; etc)

10. Who serves on the Rules Committee? – Appointed by Speaker, Minority Leader Gives lots of power to Speaker How many are there? One One How long does it last? Permanent