Congress, the bulk of work on legislation consists of what members do Essay

Congress, the bulk of work on legislation consists of what members do in committees - Essay Example Similar to the Senate, Congress has four major categories of committees; standing, conference, select, and joint committees. Standing committees are the most important as they deal with the vast majority of legislative concerns. Within each standing committee are sub-committees tasked with the responsibility of dealing with specific areas of a legislative issue; for example, the Ways and Means committee. Contrastingly, conference committees specifically deal with Bills, and comprise of members from both the Senate and Congress. By reconciling differences of members in the committee, conference committees are able to form a single Bill, which can then be forwarded to the President for his assent. Select committees are short-term in nature and are formed to deal with a specific issue when it arises; for example, Intelligence committee. Finally, joint committees resemble conference committees in structure; however, they are need-based; formed to address specific issues; for example, joi nt committee on taxation (Independence Hall Association). Committees wield a great deal of influence in the US legislature; as such, the majority party chooses the Chairman of each committee in the US Congress. However, it is important to note that all committees comprise of members from all political parties with representatives in the Congress. There is no specified criterion used by committees to choose its members; however, legislators earn their place based on political favors earned due to loyalty, power and seniority in the Congress. Due to this, legislators in Congress are always cautious of their dealings with each other, as they are aware failure to do so would cost them favorable committee assignments. The number of members serving in the various committees varies. Besides the Chairman, the Ranking Member also holds a high status in the committee. This position is reserved for the senior most member of the minority