Title: CongressLink
Headings: 
The Committee System in the U.S. Congress
Structure and Organization
Operations and Procedures
Committees and Chamber Action

Content: They are sometimes created to conduct investigations and studies, sometimes to consider measures. Often one is established because the existing standing committee system does not address an issue effectively, or because a particular event sparks interest in an investigation. Joint committees are usually permanent panels that conduct studies or perform housekeeping tasks rather than consider measures. Members of both chambers serve on them. A conference committee is a temporary joint committee formed to resolve differences in Senate- and House-passed versions of a particular measure. Subcommittees
Most committees form subcommittees to which they assign such specific tasks as oversight and the initial consideration of measures in particular areas of the committee's jurisdiction. Subcommittees are responsible to and work within guidelines established by their parent committees. Their number, independence, and autonomy vary among committees; but, because of their overall numbers and prerogatives, some observers have characterized the congressional system as "subcommittee government." In the 104th Congress, there are 19 standing committees with 84 subcommittees in the House and 1 select committee with 2 subcommittees.