What is the purpose of committees?

Joint committees have similar purposes as select committees, but they are made up of members from both the House and the Senate. They are set up to conduct business between the houses and to help focus public attention on major issues. read more

The Importance of Committees A special committee investigated the government's actions in the 1993 tragedy involving a religious cult in Waco, Texas. Bills begin and end their lives in committees, whether they are passed into law or not. read more

Congressional committees fall into four categories: standing, select, joint and conference committees. All four types of committees accept bills and ultimately decide whether to turn them into laws. The committees share this responsibility, but have different roles. read more