Title: Key Senate and House Committees - AOTA
Headings: Key Senate and House Committees
Key Senate and House Committees
Content: As with spending bills, tax legislation originates in the House. These are very important players in health care reform. House Energy and Commerce Committee
This committee as a whole has jurisdiction over “health and health facilities (except health care supported by payroll deductions).” More specifically, within its Health Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce works on public health, hospital construction, mental health and research, Medicaid, disability issues, and national health insurance. This committee is actively engaged in health care reform. Senate Special Committee on Aging
Although this committee has no legislative authority, it is able to study issues, conduct oversight of programs, and investigate reports of fraud and waste. The committee reviews Medicare’s performance on close to an annual basis and has conducted oversight of the administration of major programs such as Social Security and the Older Americans Act. Issues of interest include health care for seniors, long-term care, and elder fraud and abuse, which include nursing home safety. House Education and Labor Committee
This committee has jurisdiction over education and workforce issues. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and Higher Education Act (HEA) are all addressed by this committee.