Title: The Importance of Committees [ushistory.org]
Headings: 6c. The Importance of Committees
6c. The Importance of Committees
Types of Committees
Committee Assignments
Standing Committees of Congress (as of 2021)

Content: Committee Assignments
After each congressional election, political parties assign newly elected Representatives and Senators to standing committees. They consider a member's own wishes in making the assignments, but they also assess the needs of the committees, in terms of region of the country, personalities, and party connections. Since the House has 435 members, most Representatives only serve on one or two committees. On the other hand, Senators often serve on several committees and subcommittees. Committee assignment is one of the most important decisions for a new member's future work in Congress. Usually, members seek appointment on committees that will allow them to serve their districts or state the most directly. However, a members from a "safe" district — where his or her reelection is not in jeopardy — and who wants to be a leader in Congress, may want to be named to a powerful committee, such as Foreign Relations, Judiciary, or the House Ways and Means. There they are more likely to come into contact with current leaders and perhaps even gain some media attention. Standing Committees of Congress (as of 2021)
HOUSE COMMITTEES
SENATE COMMITTEES
Agriculture
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Appropriations
Appropriations
Armed Services
Armed Services
Budget
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Education and Labor
Budget
Energy and Commerce
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Ethics
Energy and Natural Resources
Financial Services
Environment and Public Works
Foreign Affairs
Finance
House Administration
Foreign Relations
Judiciary
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Natural Resources
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Oversight and Reform
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Rules
Judiciary
Science, Space and Technology
Rules and Administration
Small Business
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Transportation and Infrastructure
Veterans Affairs
Veterans Affairs

Ways and Means