Congressional committees allow lawmakers to divide the work of legislating. Because Congress handles a wide range of complex issues—from national defense to agriculture—committees specialize in specific policy areas. Bills are usually sent to committees first, where members study them, hold hearings, and propose changes before deciding whether to send them to the full chamber for debate and a vote.

Standing committees are permanent committees established under the rules of each chamber. Examples include the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. These committees handle most legislation, conduct hearings, and oversee federal agencies related to their policy area.

Committees conduct oversight by holding hearings, requesting documents, and questioning executive branch officials. This helps ensure that laws are being implemented as Congress intended and that federal agencies are accountable to the public. Oversight is a key part of the checks and balances system.

The majority party in each chamber controls committee leadership. Chairs are usually selected based on a combination of seniority, expertise, and decisions made by party leadership. Committee chairs have significant influence, including setting agendas and deciding which bills receive hearings.

When the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, a conference committee—made up of members from both chambers—is formed to resolve the differences. The committee produces a compromise version that must then be approved by both the House and the Senate before it can be sent to the President.