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Order Code 98-241 GOV
Updated March 23, 2005
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Committee Types and Roles
Thomas P. Carr
Analyst in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Structure of the Committee System
Congress divides its legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks among
more than 200 committees and subcommittees. Within assigned areas, these functional
subunits gather information; compare and evaluate legislative alternatives; identify policy
problems and propose solutions; select, determine, and report measures for full chamber
consideration; monitor executive branch performance (oversight); and investigate
allegations of wrongdoing. For more information on legislative process, see
[http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml].
The 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act (60 Stat. 812) sets the framework for the
modern committee system. The act organized the Senate and House committees along
roughly parallel lines, although over time divergences have emerged. Within the
guidelines of chamber rules, each committee adopts its own rules addressing
organizational, structural, and procedural issues. As a consequence, there is considerable
variation among panels.
Following organizational meetings at the beginning of the 109'h Congress, there were
20 standing committees in the House with 92 subcommittees, and one select committee
with four subcommittees. The Senate has 16 standing committees with 69
subcommittees, as well as four select or special committees with no subcommittees. In
addition there are four joint committees.
Types of Committees
There are three main types of committees - standing, select or special, and joint.
(Party committees, task forces, and congressional Member organizations - informal
groups - are not addressed here.)
Standing committees are permanent panels identified as such in chamber rules
(House Rule X, Senate Rule XXV). Because they have legislative jurisdiction, standing
committees consider bills and issues and recommend measures for consideration by their
respective chambers. They also have oversight responsibility to monitor agencies,
programs, and activities within their jurisdictions, and in some cases in areas that cut
across committee jurisdictions.
Congressional Research Service +. The Library of Congress](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/crsmthaagxz0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)