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Committee on Environment and Public Works |
About the Senate Committee System Due to the high volume and complexity of its work, Congress divides its tasks among approximately 250 committees and subcommittees. There are limits on the number and types of panels any one Member may serve on and chair. Thousands of bills are referred to committees during each Congress, but only a small number are selected for consideration. Those not addressed often receive no further action. Determining what pieces of legislation are considered by the Senate makes committees powerful. When a committee or subcommittee moves to consider a measure, it usually takes four actions.
A committee's power over legislation extends to their enactment into law. A committee that considers a measure will manage the full Senate's deliberation on it. Also, committee members will be appointed to any conference committee aimed at reconciling different versions of a piece of legislation proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives. |