U.S. Senate Committees
Committees are where most of the Senate's detailed work happens — from drafting legislation and holding hearings to overseeing federal agencies.
How Senate Committees Work
Each Senator serves on a set of standing committees that focus on specific policy areas, such as Appropriations, Judiciary, or Foreign Relations. Much of the real work of lawmaking happens here — bills are drafted, amended, and debated in detail before they ever reach the Senate floor.
Every committee is led by a Chair, who comes from the majority party, and a Ranking Member, who is the most senior member from the minority party. The Chair controls the agenda: which bills get hearings, which nominees get considered, and when votes are held.
Committee assignments are typically negotiated by party leadership and approved by each party's conference at the start of a new Congress. Seniority, subject-matter interest, and political considerations all play a role in deciding who serves where — and who gets the gavel.