Mary Gay Scanlon

The House Committee on Rules is commonly known as “The Speaker’s Committee” because it is the mechanism that the Speaker uses to maintain control of the House Floor. Because of the vast power wielded by the Rules Committee, its ratio has traditionally been weighted in favor of the majority party. The Committee provides the terms and conditions of debate on any measure or matter through Special Rules. The Committee also considers original jurisdiction measures, which commonly represent changes to the standing rules of the House, or measures that contain special rules, such as the expedited procedures in trade legislation.

The Committee on the Judiciary has jurisdiction over matters relating to the administration of justice in federal courts, administrative bodies, and law enforcement agencies. Its role in impeachment proceedings has also brought it much attention. The committee’s jurisdiction also includes a range of issues such as bankruptcy, espionage, terrorism, the protection of civil liberties, constitutional amendments, and more. The Committee oversees the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.

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