I want to commit(ees)

Question 1

Public Bill COMMITS (UK): Features

Answer 1

• Temporary
• Scrutinises legislation
• Selected by filthy whips
• Reflect party balance (DOM’d by maj. party) - Party loyalty can hinder effective scrutiny.
• Can call witnesses and papers (not subpeona)
• Suggests ammendments: eg. 1,000 ammendments for Inves.Powers Act, only 5 passed. (A bit shit really)

Question 2

Standing Commit mes (US): Features

Answer 2

• Permanent
• 34 total - 18 in house of Reps, 8 Senate
• Confirm Appointments (Senate Committees): eg Betsy DeVos for Education 2017.
• Gate Keeping (decide what bills move forwards)
• Power of Proposal
• Kill Legislation: Pigeon Holing: only 5% pass commit me stage.
• Party less important. eg Rep Dave Brat voted against HCA 2017

Question 3

Select Committees (UK): Features

Answer 3

• Pre-legislation scrutiny: In the commons they scrutinise the govt deps and agencies. eg Select Committee for defence.)
• They are permanent: Allows expertise to develop.
• Becoming more powerful
• Elected in HoC by secret Ballot rather than Whip = less party orientated
• Can call upon individuals or papers: eg Russell Brand 2012 Home Affairs Committee. But cannot compell to appear. eg Oliver Robbins failed to do so.

Question 4

Select Committees (US): Features

Answer 4

• Temporary
• Scrutinise executive
• Investigate one particular issue: eg 2012 Benghazi Committee
• Power of Subpoena eg Michael Brown as head of FEMA requested to appear before Huricane Katrina select commit in 05.
• Beyond the authority or capacity of Standing committee.