Title: The U.S. Congress and Global Health: A Primer | KFF
Headings: The U.S. Congress and Global Health: A Primer
The U.S. Congress and Global Health: A Primer
Structure
Chambers
Members
Committees
Caucuses
Role and Key Activities
Legislation
Authorization Bills
Appropriations Bills
Key Provisions and Reports
Oversight
Examples of Congressional Engagement
PEPFAR
West Africa Ebola Outbreak
Looking Ahead
Topics
Tags

Content: 96. NOTES: As of February 5, 2019. * One House member recently resigned to pursue a job in the private sector, and another House seat has not been filled since the election results have not yet been certified. Committees
Within each chamber, the work of Congress is generally performed by smaller groups of members, known as committees. Committees examine issues under their jurisdiction and may also consider and vote on legislation. Passage of a piece of legislation by a committee allows it to be brought before the chamber as a whole. Currently, the Senate has 16 standing (permanent) committees and four select and special committees, which may be permanent or temporary and typically “examine emerging issues that do not fit clearly within existing standing committee jurisdictions or cut across jurisdictional boundaries.” The House has 20 standing committees and three select committees. 3 Additionally, there are four joint committees of the House and Senate, which are permanent, bicameral entities that do not consider legislation but rather carry out studies and certain administrative functions for Congress.