Standing committee (United States Congress)

In the

House Rule X, Senate Rule XXV.) Because they have legislative jurisdiction, standing committees consider bills and issues and recommend measures for consideration by their respective chambers.^[1]

They also have oversight responsibility to monitor agencies, programs, and activities within their jurisdictions, and in some cases in areas that cut across committee jurisdictions. Due to their permanent nature, these committees exist beyond the adjournment of each two-year meeting of Congress.

Most standing committees recommend funding levels—authorizations—for government operations and for new and existing programs. A few have other functions. For example, the Appropriations Committees recommend legislation to provide budget authority for federal agencies and programs. The Budget Committees establish aggregate levels for total spending and revenue that serve as guidelines for the work of the authorizing and appropriating panels. Committees also provide

The

Committee sizes range from 6 to 50 members per committee. In the House, one person may not serve on more than two standing committees and four

Steering and Policy Committee is in charge of assigning Democratic representatives to committees.^[4]

The Senate follows similar procedures, with senators being limited to no more than three full committees and five sub-committees.