A congressional
committee is a legislative
sub-organization in the
United States Congress that handles
a specific duty (rather than the general
duties of Congress). Committee
membership enables members to develop
specialized knowledge of the matters
under their jurisdiction. As "little
legislatures," committees monitor
on-going governmental operations,
identify issues suitable for legislative
review, gather and evaluate information,
and recommend courses of action to their
parent body.
Woodrow Wilson once said "...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."
Congress divides its legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks among approximately 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" Source: Wikipedia
Congress divides its legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks among approximately 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" Source: Wikipedia