[20210311]IN11036_国会成员组织（CMO）和非正式成员团体.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs) and Informal Member Groups Updated March 11, 2021 In addition to party organizations and committees, Members of the House and Senate often participate in informal Member organizations. Hundreds of informal Member organizationswhich are commonly referred to as caucuses, working groups, or task forceshave typically existed in each recent session of Congress. In this Insight, these groups are collectively described as informal Member organizations to avoid confusion with official party caucuses. Additional information can be found in CRS Report R40683, Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs) and Informal Member Groups: Their Purpose and Activities, History, and Formation. Informal Member organizations are formed for a variety of reasons, usually associated with Members policy objectives or representational considerations. These groups can enable Members to raise awareness about a particular topic and exchange information or ideas with colleagues (within or across chambers). At times, some groups may share legislative or representational interests with the House or