1. The Legislative Branch Congressional Committees

2. Purposes It allows members to divide their work among many smaller groups They pick the bills that are going to be looked at further Help the public learn about key problems and issues by holding public hearing and investigations

3. Kinds of Committees Standing committees –P–Permanent –E–Each House creates their own –S–Subcommittees (specialize in a subcategory of it’s standing committee’s responsibility) Select Committees –T–Temporary –S–Study 1 specific issue & report back –I–Issues: matters of great public concerns, overlooked problems, & problems of interest groups –C–Can be made permanent

4. Kinds of Committees Joint committees –Temporary or permanent –Members from both houses –Usually deal with routine matters Conference committees – Temporary – Members from both houses – Are formed when the House and Senate pass 2 different versions of a bill – They are to resolve the differences of the bill

5. Key Committees House –R–Rules –W–Ways and Means –A–Appropriations Senate –F–Foreign Relations –F–Finance –A–Appropriations