Committees

Group image of the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives/tiles/non-collection/o/oh_inst_committee_pc.xml Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Photography Collection
Congress conducts the majority of its work in committee. Members and House staff share memories and offer descriptions of the inner workings of House panels, including administration, hearings, investigations, and legislation. Detailed accounts of the various aspects of committee work provide a personal perspective on an essential facet of the institution.

Video

Chairmen and Seniority

Representative Dellums shares memories of his ascension to chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

The Honorable Ronald V. Dellums, U.S. Representative of California
Interview recorded April 19, 2012 Deed of Gift

Making the Switch from Banking to Commerce

Recounting the experience of moving to a new committee.

Michael Lemov, Chief Counsel, Investigations Subcommittee, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Interview recorded February 22, 2012 Deed of Gift

Initial Hearing on Consumer Product Safety Act

Memories of a high-profile committee hearing.

Michael Lemov, Chief Counsel, Investigations Subcommittee, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Interview recorded February 22, 2012 Deed of Gift

Conference Committees

Background on conference committees.

Michael Lemov, Chief Counsel, Investigations Subcommittee, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Interview recorded February 22, 2012 Deed of Gift

Audio

Preparation for Hearings

Explanation of the mechanisms that keep committee hearings running.

Patricia Schwartz, Chief Clerk/Administrator, House Committee on the Judiciary
Interview recorded April 19, 2007 Deed of Gift
Transcript (PDF)