1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-241 GOVUpdated February 14, 2002Committee Types and RolesThomas P. CarrAnalyst in American National GovernmentGovernment DivisionStructure of the Committee SystemCongress divides it
2、s legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks amongapproximately 200 committees and subcommittees. Within assigned areas, thesefunctional subunits gather information; compare and evaluate legislative alternatives;identify policy problems and propose solutions; select, determine, and re
3、port measures forfull chamber consideration; monitor executive branch performance (oversight); andinvestigate allegations of wrongdoing. The 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act (60 Stat. 812) sets the framework for themodern committee system. The Act organized the Senate and House committees alongro
4、ughly parallel lines, although over time divergences have emerged. Within the guidelinesof chamber rules, each committee adopts its own rules addressing organizational,structural, and procedural issues. As a consequence, there is considerable variation amongpanels. At the beginning of the second ses
