Frequently Asked Questions

Section 1 - Committee Information Return to Top

  • How can I contact the Committee?

    Please call 202-224-4515 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or write to:

    U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
    219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
    Washington, DC 20510-6200

  • I'm a member of the media. How can I contact the Committee's communications staff?

    You can reach both Chairman Baucus’ and Ranking Member Grassley’s Committee press office by calling 202.224.4515. Press releases and statements from Committee leadership can be found online in the Finance Committee Newsroom.

    You can reach both Chairman Baucus’s and Ranking Member Grassley’s Committee communications staff by calling 202-224-4515. Press releases, statements and bill summaries from committee leadership can be found in the Finance Committee Newsroom.

  • I have an appointment to meet with committee staff. Where should I go?

    Please check in with the front office staff in room 219 of Senate Dirksen Office Building. 

    Please check in with the front office staff located in room 219 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building. 

  • Who serves on the Finance Committee?

    The Finance Committee is currently comprised of 23 Members – 13 Democrats and 10 Republicans. The ratio of majority to minority Members on the Committee is based on the ratio of majority to minority Members of the Senate.  Senators are assigned to specific committees by their party conference. Seniority and regional balance are some of the factors used to determine committee assignments.

  • What are the rules of the Finance Committee?

    The Finance Committee rules of procedure are approved by Committee Members at the beginning of each Congress and can be found on the Finance Committee website.

    The Finance Committee rules of procedure are approved by Committee Members at the beginning of each Congress and can be found on the Finance Committee website.

  • What's the Finance Committee's agency and department jurisdiction?

    The Finance Committee’s jurisdiction, which derives from Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the United States Senate, is defined by subject matter – not by agency or Department. As a consequence of the Committee’s broad subject matter jurisdiction, the Finance Committee has sole or shared jurisdiction over the activities of numerous agencies and offices. A full description of the Committee’s Department and Agency Jurisdiction can be found on the Finance Committee website.

    The Finance Committee’s jurisdiction, which derives from Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the United States Senate, is defined by subject matter – not by agency or Department.  As a consequence of the Committee’s broad subject matter jurisdiction, the Finance Committee has sole or shared jurisdiction over the activities of numerous agencies and offices.  A full description of the Committee’s Department and Agency Jurisdiction can be found on the Finance Committee website.

  • Does the Finance Committee have subcommittees?

    Yes. The Finance Committee has five subcommittees that provide members a forum to examine specific areas within the Committee’s jurisdiction. Subject to the formal approval of the full committee, the Chairman and Ranking Member establish the Committee’s subcommittees and membership for each Congressional session.  Refer to Rule 17 of the Committee’s Rules of Procedures for more information about subcommittees.

    Yes. The Finance Committee has five subcommittees that provide members a forum to examine specific areas within the Committee’s jurisdiction. Subject to the formal approval of the full Committee, the Chairman and Ranking Member establish the Committee’s subcommittees and membership for each Congressional session. Refer to Rule 17 of the Committee’s Rules of Procedure for more information about subcommittees.

  • How can I apply for an internship or law clerkship with the Finance Committee?

    The office of the Finance Committee Chairman accepts a limited number of internship and law clerk applicants each year. Successful internship applicants serve as associates for the Committee during spring (January-May), summer (May/June-August) and fall (September-December) terms. Law school students serve as law clerks during the same periods. 

    The Committee seeks individuals with specific interests in health care, international trade, social security, communications, economic development, oversight, and tax issues.  Associates and law clerks routinely assist with legislative research projects, hearings, and other substantive assignments and administrative tasks. Though no specific major or program is required, a good academic record is a must. Applicants who can work full-time (40 hours/5-days per week) are preferred. 

    A limited number of associates and law clerks are selected for each term on a rolling basis; applicants should apply early (three-to-four months before the start date is preferable). Given that Chairman Baucus is from Montana, current and former Montana residents are especially encouraged to apply.  Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and two references to the following address:

    U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
    Attention: Intern Coordinator, Majority Staff
    219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20510   


    The office of the Finance Committee Ranking Member accepts a limited number of internship and clerkship applicants each year. Successful internship applicants serve during spring, summer and fall segments.  Law school students serve as law clerks during the same periods.

    The Ranking Member Office seeks individuals with specific interests in health care, international trade, tax policy, Social Security, and oversight and investigations. Interns and law clerks routinely assist with legislative research projects, hearings, and other substantive assignments and administrative tasks. Though no specific major or program is necessary, a good academic record is required. Applicants who can work full-time (40 hours/five days per week) are preferred.

    A limited number of associates and law clerks are selected for each term.  Applicants should apply early.  Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and two references to the following address:

    U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
    Attention: Intern Coordinator, Minority Staff
    219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20510

    erests in health care, international trade, social security, press/communications, economic development and oversight, and tax issues.  Associates and law clerks routinely assist with legislative research projects, hearings, and other substantive assignments and administrative tasks. Though no specific major or program is required, a good academic record is a must. Applicants who can work full-time (40 hours/5-days per week) are preferred. 
    Those interested should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and two references to the following address:
    U.S. Senate Committee on Finance-Majority Staff
    Attention: Intern Coordinator
    219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20510 
    A limited number of associates and law clerks are selected for each term on a rolling basis; applicants should apply early (three-to-four months before the start date is preferable). Given that Chairman Baucus is from Montana, current and former Montana residents are especially encouraged to apply.                                

Section 2 - Committee Hearings Return to Top

  • I'm having trouble viewing a hearing. How do I access the webcast?

    If you're having trouble viewing a hearing, you may need to download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player - a free program available for download here.  Committee hearings convened prior to 2009 require the use of RealPlayer, which is also free to download.

  • What’s the difference between a hearing and an open executive session?

    A hearing is convened to gather information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, or review the operation or other aspects of a Federal agency or program. An open executive session, commonly referred to as a mark up, is convened to debate, amend, and rewrite proposed legislation.

    A hearing is convened to gather information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, or review the operation or other aspects of a Federal agency or program. An open executive session, commonly referred to as a markup, is convened to debate, amend and rewrite proposed legislation before reporting the bill to the full Senate for consideration.

  • Can I watch hearings and open executive sessions online?

    Streaming video of committee hearings and open executive sessions can be found in the Hearings section of the Finance Committee website. Hearings in progress can be accessed from the Committee’s home page and also through Hearings.

  • Are Finance Committee hearings open to the public?

    Finance Committee hearings are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.  The Finance Committee hearing room is located in room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.   Under the normal configuration, the room can accommodate approximately 150 members of the public.  Admission to hearings is on a first come, first served basis, and members of the public are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they will be seated. Finance Committee hearings are generally placed on the Committee Calendar seven days in advance of the event.  Generally, Open Executive Sessions are placed on the schedule at least two days in advance of the event. 

    Finance Committee hearings are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.  The Finance Committee hearing room is located in room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.   Under the normal configuration, the room can accommodate approximately 150 members of the public.  Admission to hearings is on a first come, first served basis, and members of the public are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they will be seated. Finance Committee hearings are generally placed on the Committee Calendar seven days in advance of the event.  Generally, open executive sessions are placed on the schedule at least two days in advance of the event. 

  • How do I submit a statement for the record?

    Any individual or organization wanting to present their views for inclusion in the hearing record should submit a typewritten, single-spaced statement, not exceeding 10 pages in length. Title and date of the hearing, and the full name and address of the individual or organization must appear on the first page of the statement. Statements must be received no later than two weeks following the conclusion of the hearing.
    Statements should be mailed (not faxed) to: 
    Senate Committee on Finance
    Attn. Editorial and Document Section
    Rm. SD-219
    Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
    Washington, DC 20510-6200b

    Any individual or organization wanting to present their views for inclusion in the hearing record should submit a typewritten, single-spaced statement, not exceeding 10 pages in length. Title and date of the hearing, and the full name and address of the individual or organization must appear on the first page of the statement. Statements must be received no later than two weeks following the conclusion of the hearing.

    Statements should be mailed (not faxed) to: 

    Senate Committee on Finance
    Attn. Editorial and Document Section
    Rm. SD-219
    Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
    Washington, DC 20510-6200

  • Are photography and video allowed in the hearing room?

    Members of the public may bring cameras into the hearing room, but only non-flash photography is permitted. Only credentialed members of the press may use video recorders or sit in front of the dais to take photographs. 

    Members of the public may bring cameras into the hearing room, but only non-flash photography is permitted. Only credentialed members of the press may use video recorders or sit in front of the dais to take photographs. 

  • How does the Committee pick hearing witnesses?

    All decisions regarding hearings and witnesses are made by the Chairman, the Ranking Member, committee staff, members of the committee and their staffs.

    All decisions regarding hearings and witnesses are made by the Chairman, the Ranking Member, committee staff, members of the committee and their staffs.

  • What's a mock markup?

    A mock markup is an informal open executive session convened to discuss and debate draft legislation prepared by the Administration to implement an international trade agreement.  After the Committee completes its work on the draft legislation, the legislation is transmitted to the Administration as a recommendation on the contents of the final implementing bill.  The President then transmits the trade agreement and the final implementing legislation to Congress, which considers the legislation and the agreement under expedited procedures.

Section 3 - Committee Documents Return to Top

  • How do I download documents on the Finance Committee website?

    Most content on the Finance Committee website requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader - a free program available for download here.

  • Where can I find witness testimony?

    Visitors can access witness testimony online through the Witness Directory or Hearings.  Witness testimony is made available to the public online soon after the hearing or open executive session concludes.

  • Where can I find Committee Reports and Printed Hearing Transcripts?

    Once available, these documents can generally be found in the Committee Library. With the exception of Open Executive Session documents, the Government Printing Office also provides some Committee publications on its website.  Any individual or organization may order a committee document through the U.S. Government Bookstore.  

    Once available, these documents can generally be found in the Committee Library. With the exception of open executive session documents, the Government Printing Office also provides some committee publications on its website.  Any individual or organization may order a committee document through the U.S. Government Bookstore.  

  • How can I get a copy of a bill or resolution that has been referred to the Committee?

    The text and status of all bills and resolutions referred to the Finance Committee are available online through the Library of Congress. Use the “Advanced Search” option to limit search results to bills and resolutions referred to the Finance Committee. 

    The text and status of all bills and resolutions referred to the Finance Committee are available online through the Library of Congress. Use the “Advanced Search” option to limit search results to bills and resolutions referred to the Finance Committee. 

Section 4 - Committee Business Return to Top

  • Where can I get the latest updates on the activities of the Finance Committee?

    The most up-to-date information on the Committee’s activities can be found by browsing the Committee Calendar or the Newsroom. In addition, visitors may “Subscribe” to newsroom content from either the Chairman or Ranking Member to receive the latest press releases, statements or speeches through RSS feeds. 

    The most up-to-date information on the Committee’s activities can be found by browsing the Committee Calendar or the Newsroom. In addition, visitors may subscribe to newsroom content from either the Chairman or Ranking Member to receive the latest press releases, statements or speeches through RSS feeds

  • How do I check the status of Finance Committee legislation?

    To find the status of pending legislation, visit the Library of Congress.  Note that information about bills originating in Committee will not be available through the Library of Congress until the bill is reported out of Committee.  Visitors can also check the status of legislation under consideration in the Finance Committee by accessing the Committee’s Legislation page. 

    To check the status of pending legislation, visit the Library of Congress.  Note that information about bills originating in Committee will not be available through the Library of Congress until the bill is reported out of Committee.  Visitors can also check the status of legislation under consideration in the Finance Committee by accessing the Committee’s Legislation page. 

  • Which presidential nominations are referred to the Finance Committee?

    Jurisdiction governs which positions of advice and consent require Senate Finance Committee confirmation.  Today, more than 80 full- and part-time positions are referred to the Finance Committee. Refer to the Congressional Research Service report, Presidential Appointee Positions Requiring Senate Confirmation and Committees Handling Nominations, for a thorough review of the nominations process.

  • What types of hearings are convened by the Finance Committee?

    The Finance Committee generally convenes three types of hearings: legislative hearings, oversight hearings, and confirmation hearings. Occasionally, the Chairman may convene a hearing outside Capitol Hill; these are called field hearings. The Congressional Research Service has published a more extensive description of hearing types in a report titled Types of Committee Hearings. 

    The Finance Committee generally convenes three types of hearings: legislative hearings, oversight hearings, and confirmation hearings. Occasionally, the Chairman may convene a hearing outside Capitol Hill; these are called field hearings. Refer to the Congressional Research Service report, Types of Committee Hearings, for an extensive description of types of congressional hearings.

  • What if I can't find the answer to my question?

    If your question is not answered above, please call the Committee at 202.224.4515 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    If you don't find the answer to your question on the Finance Committee website, please call 202-224-4515 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Committee Contact Information

If you cannot find the answer to your question on our website, please call (202-224-4515), fax (202-228-0554), or write to:

The Honorable Max Baucus
Chairman
Committee on Finance
United States Senate
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Chuck Grassley
Ranking Member
Committee on Finance
United States Senate
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Note: Due to security precautions taken by the U.S. Senate, outside mail is delayed 7-10 days; therefore, whenever possible, it is recommended that you also fax your letters.


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