Congressional Committees and Healthcare Policy Essay

Congressional Committees and Healthcare Policy (Chapter Review) An important point made in Weissert and Weissert concerning Congress and its committee structure is that the majority of the work in Congress is done through committees. They perform the majority of research on issues and possible solutions, get legislation written, re-written and amended, and support it as it moves through Congress and finally gets passed. They are the â€Å"workhorses of the legislature† (Weissert and Weissert, 29). The breadth of information on any given issue that has to be assimilated, analyzed and formed into a bill that can be passed by the two chambers of Congress is complex, and lawmakers cannot realistically apply significant time and attention to†¦show more content†¦Cabinet officers often spend a lot of time testifying before committees (Weissert and Weissert, 30). Committees are responsible for oversight of federal agencies, and while this is described as â€Å"complicated†¦tedious,† (Weissert and Weissert, 61) and seems to be a mostly a passive process, an example was cited where at least one committee member was more active. Representative John Dingell was essentially accused of â€Å"bullying federal agencies† (Weissert and Weissert, 61) when he was chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, due to his apparent micro-management style. House committee investigations of presidential behavior, while becoming less common, are other areas where committ ees have influence outside of Congress (Weissert and Weissert, 61). Another example given is investigation by the House Judiciary Committee of the sentences handed down by federal judges thought to be too â€Å"soft† (Weissert and Weissert, 78). A third point made by Weissert and Weissert is that the power, effectiveness and popularity of Congressional committees can be influenced and weakened. When party leadership is stronger, the power of committees is lessened. Party leaders can find ways to get their petShow MoreRelatedComparing the Emplementation and Scrutinizing of Proposed Bills in the House of Commons and Congress1337 Words   |  6 Pagesmembers). Congress has profited from a division of labour through the creation of Congressional Committees. These Committees are where the real decisions are made. So that it is not far from the truth to say that Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition; whilst Congress in its committee-rooms is Congress at work. - Woodrow Wilson . 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