Due to the high volume and complexity of its work, Congress divides its tasks among approximately 250 committees and subcommittees. The House and Senate each have their own committee system, which are similar. Within chamber guidelines, however, each committee adopts its own rules, so there is considerable variation among panels.
For more information on how the Senate Committee system works, link to Committees on the main Senate Web page.
Senate Committees
Link to Senate committee Web pages, find out what committees your Senators serve on, or find a committee schedule here.
Committee and subcommittee membership booklet is available from GPOAccess.
House Committee Links from the House of Representatives Web Site
Link to House committee Web pages, find out what committees your Representative serves on, or find a committee schedule here.
Finding Committee Hearings and Reports
These guides will help you to locate committee documents.
History of Senate Committees
Find out more about the history of the Senate committee system with these essays written by the Senate Historian.
Bibliography on Committee Histories (pdf)
Senate Committee Chairs, 1789- (pdf)
When Did the Senate Create Permanent Committees?
When Was the Senate Appropriations Commitee Created?
When Was the Senate Banking Committee Created?
Special and Select Committees in History
Find out more about special and select committees formed in the Senate with these essays written by the Senate Historian.
Related Items
Interested in related material? Take a look at these subjects for more information.
