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Political Dictionary

Select Committee

A select committee is created for a specific investigation, issue, or temporary purpose.

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Definition

A select committee is a congressional committee established to examine a particular subject, conduct an investigation, or address a matter not covered adequately by standing committees. Some select committees are temporary, while others continue across multiple Congresses.

Why It Matters

Select committees allow Congress to focus expertise and attention on major events, emerging issues, or cross-cutting problems.

How It Works

A chamber adopts a resolution defining the committee’s membership, authority, duration, and reporting duties.

History

Congress has used select committees since the early republic for investigations and specialized work.

Example

Congress may create a select committee to investigate a major national crisis.

Common Misconceptions

  • Select committees always have legislative authority.
  • Every select committee is bipartisan.
  • Select committees are courts.