Committees

The work of the Senate is divided amongst 20 committees, 68 subcommittees, and four joint committees. Standing committees generally have legislative jurisdiction. Subcommittees handle specific areas of the committee's work.

The chair of each committee and a majority of its members represent the majority party. The chair primarily controls a committee's business. Each party assigns its own members to committees, and each committee distributes its members among its subcommittees. The Senate places limits on the number and types of panels any one senator may serve on and chair.

The thousand bills and resolutions introduced in the Senate are referred to committees during each two-year Congress. Committees select a small percentage for consideration, and those not addressed often receive no further action. The bills that committees report help to set the Senate's agenda.

When a committee favors a measure, it usually takes four actions. The committee asks relevant agencies for written comments, holds hearings to gather information and views from experts that do not sit on the committee. Following these hearings the committee meets to perfect the measure with amendments, and finally when the language is agreed upon the committee sends the measure—usually with a report that describes the purpose and provisions—to the full Senate for consideration.

Senator Domenici is a member of five committees. Select one below for more information: