Select Committee

Definition

A select committee is a temporary legislative committee established by either the House of Representatives or the Senate to focus on specific issues or tasks. These committees are not permanent and are created to conduct investigations, gather information, and report on particular matters that require detailed examination beyond the scope of regular committee activities. Select committees play a critical role in oversight and can influence legislation based on their findings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Select committees are typically formed for a limited time to investigate issues like scandals or emergencies, such as the Watergate scandal or the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. The members of select committees are chosen from various standing committees, which allows for expertise to be brought into the investigation process.
3. Select committees can conduct hearings, gather testimonies, and issue reports that may lead to proposed legislation or changes in policy.
4. These committees do not have the authority to report legislation directly to the floor, but their findings can greatly influence legislative action.
5. In some cases, select committees can become permanent if the issue they address remains relevant, leading to the formation of a more permanent committee.

Review Questions

• How do select committees differ from standing committees in terms of their purpose and duration?
  • Select committees are temporary and established to focus on specific issues or tasks, such as investigations or emergencies, while standing committees are permanent entities responsible for ongoing legislative oversight in specific policy areas. Standing committees review and refine legislation regularly, whereas select committees convene only for particular issues. This distinction allows select committees to bring concentrated attention to urgent matters that may require immediate legislative response or oversight.
• Discuss the impact of select committees on the legislative process and how their findings might influence Congress's actions.
  • Select committees can significantly impact the legislative process by conducting thorough investigations and generating detailed reports on pressing issues. Their findings often highlight concerns that may not be addressed through regular legislative processes. As a result, these reports can lead to proposed legislation or prompt existing laws to be reevaluated. By bringing attention to specific matters through public hearings and testimonies, select committees ensure that Congress remains informed and responsive to critical issues facing the nation.
• Evaluate how the use of select committees reflects broader themes of accountability and transparency in government.
  • The establishment of select committees showcases the government's commitment to accountability and transparency by allowing for in-depth investigations into pressing concerns, such as political scandals or crises. Through public hearings and detailed reporting, these committees provide a platform for scrutiny that can reveal failures in governance and hold individuals accountable. This mechanism not only fosters trust in government institutions but also emphasizes the importance of oversight in maintaining democratic principles. Ultimately, select committees serve as essential tools for ensuring that elected officials are answerable to the public regarding their actions and decisions.

Related terms

Standing Committee: A standing committee is a permanent legislative committee responsible for specific policy areas, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to their jurisdiction.

Joint Committee: A joint committee is a legislative committee made up of members from both the House and Senate that addresses issues of mutual concern, often focusing on specific policy areas.

Subcommittee: A subcommittee is a smaller, specialized division within a standing committee that focuses on specific areas of legislation or oversight.