What are the duties of congressional committees?
I'll be glad to comment on your answer.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6754517_duties-congressional-committees_.html
The duties of congressional committees refer to the responsibilities assigned to these groups of lawmakers in the United States Congress. Congressional committees are essential for the legislative process as they conduct in-depth examinations of legislative proposals, oversee government agencies, and provide a platform for the public to engage with the legislative branch.
To understand the specific duties of congressional committees, you may follow these steps:
1. **Research the types of congressional committees:** There are two main types of committees in Congress: standing committees and select committees. Standing committees are permanent bodies that cover specific policy areas such as agriculture, finance, or foreign relations. Select committees are usually established for a limited time to investigate specific issues.
2. **Identify the committee relevant to your question:** Once you determine the policy area or subject matter related to your question, find the corresponding standing committee. For instance, if your question pertains to tax policies, you would look for the House Ways and Means Committee or the Senate Finance Committee.
3. **Access committee information:** Visit the official website of the U.S. Congress to find the committee's webpage or a dedicated page listing all the committees. The website provides comprehensive details about each committee, including its purpose, jurisdiction, members, and recent activities. Alternatively, you can also search for specific committees by using search engines or visiting non-governmental websites that compile committee information.
4. **Review the committee's jurisdiction:** Understanding a committee's jurisdiction is crucial to grasp its duties. Committees have specific areas of responsibility which give them the authority to draft legislation, conduct hearings, and oversee relevant government agencies and programs. This jurisdiction is typically outlined in the committee's rules and documented in the U.S. Code.
5. **Explore the committee's responsibilities:** Once you have identified the committee and reviewed its jurisdiction, you can delve deeper into its responsibilities. Committee responsibilities generally include considering and amending legislation, conducting hearings and investigations, reviewing agency budgets and performance, recommending necessary actions or reforms, and providing oversight on relevant policy areas.
It's important to note that each committee may have additional duties depending on its scope of jurisdiction and legislative priorities. By conducting thorough research, you will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific duties of a congressional committee.