Committee at Work

As a result of the importance and complexity of its work, the Senate divides its tasks amongst committees. The chairman of each committee represents the majority party and controls committee business. Each party assigns its own members to committees, and each committee distributes its members amongst subcommittees.

There are limits on the number and types of committees served by one Senator. The main purpose of a committee is to interrogate executive organizations regarding issues of public importance. Hearings are held to gather information and views from non-committee experts.

Committees also meet to review amendments. A committee's influence extends to enactment of bills into law. Committee hearings are also held on the implementation and investigation of programs. These are known as oversight hearings.