congressional committees

Question 1

what is a standing committee
- 3 roles and example

Answer 1

permanent and policy specialist committees that play a key role in legislation and investigations
3 roles =
- conduct committee stage of a bill
- role in investigations (oversight)
- in the senate they have advice and consent powers –> help confirmation of judicial and executive appointments –> think of Clarence Thomas and Biden being chair of the committee during his confirmation and how he didn’t let three other women speak about their experience with Thomas and Anita Hill was so heavily criticised by the all white male panel –> even CT said it was an example of a public “lynching”

Question 2

what are conference committees and why has there been a slight decline in these

Answer 2

since both houses have equal power, conference committees are set up to iron out differences when bills come from the two houses and need to be reconciled before they are passed
- decline in these now due to take it or leave it concept

Question 3

what are select committees with an example of one

Answer 3

• special investigative committees
• some are permanent, most are ad hoc
• house select committee on 2012 Benghazi Attack - Hilary Clinton 11 hours of questioning

Question 4

on average how many bills make it out the committee stage

Answer 4

• 1/4 pass but 7% are voted on in the senate
• bills that aren’t voted on are pigeon holed and die when the congressional session ends