Committees in Congress


I.    Characteristics

    A.    Subject Oriented

    B.    Policy Makers

    C.    Policy Overseers

    D.    Stable Membership

    E.    Independence - Decentralized

    F.    Source of Fragmentation

    G.    Majority Party Dominance

II.    Types of Committees

    A.    Standing (HOUSE; SENATE)

    B.    Sub-Committees (House; Senate)

    C.    Joint

    D.    Select/Special

    E.    Conference (Reports from 110th Congress)

    F.    House Committee of the Whole House

III.    Committee Assignments

    A.   House Processes

    B.    Senate Processes (detailed explanation)

    B.    Three Goals of Members in Seeking Assignments

        1.    Enhance Chances of Re-Electability

        2.    Influence Specific Policy Arenas

        3.    Gain Power Broadly

IV.   Committee Leadership

    A.    Selection

    B.    Chairperson's Powers

    C.    Staff

V.    Policy Making

    A.    Overlapping Jurisdiction (example)

    B.    Multiple Referrals

    C.    Hearings

    D.    Markups


Key Web Sites

Power Point Presentation:  Parties and Leaders in Congress

List of House Members of Committees and Subcommittees

Membership on Senate Committee and Subcommittees

Tying it All Together