The Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs has jurisdiction over matters related to: banks and banking, price controls, deposit insurance, export promotion and controls, federal monetary policy, financial aid to commerce and industry, issuance of redemption of notes, currency and coinage, public and private housing, urban development and mass transit, and government contracts.
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) was established in 1816 as one of the Senate’s four original standing committees. Since then its jurisdiction has changed several times. Today, the Commerce Committee oversees all legislation and other matters relating to science and technology, oceans policy, transportation, communications, and consumer affairs.
The Foreign Relations Committee is responsible for assisting the Senate in its “advice and consent” responsibilities with respect to all treaties, as well as helping build economic cooperation between nations and overseeing U.S. agencies that administer foreign aid and promote American interests abroad.
The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) was established in 1946 to review economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic policy. The committee includes members from both the House and Senate who evaluate and study every major area of the economy including the federal budget, tax policy, healthcare, and international trade.