Title: Key Senate and House Committees - AOTA
Headings: Key Senate and House Committees
Key Senate and House Committees
Content: They are engaged in workforce issues in the health care reform debate. Senate and House Committees on Appropriations
These committees have jurisdiction over legislation covering government spending. These committees write legislation that allocates federal funds to the numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. Spending bills are the only laws that are required to be passed annually, and all spending bills must originate within the House Appropriations Committee. Spending levels determined by the Appropriations Committee that affect the profession of occupational therapy include funding for the National Institute on Health (NIH), National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and military and veterans’ programs. Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs
These committees have jurisdiction over matters relating to insurance coverage for veterans, veterans’ hospitals, medical care and treatment of veterans, and vocational rehabilitation and education of veterans. Legislation concerning veterans’ mental health, traumatic brain injury, community re-integration and adjustment, and access to necessary medical services is assessed by these committees. Senate and House Committees on Armed Services
These committees have jurisdiction over military research and development. Senate and House Budget Committees
These committees are uniquely focused on the details of the federal budget, drafting of the budget resolution, and compiling and reconciling legislation. These committees have jurisdiction over the Congressional budget process and the operation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which “prices” bills according to how much they would cost once implemented.