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History

How Legislative Committees Specialize and Influence Policy Oversight

Quick fact

When a bill is introduced, it is immediately referred to a committee. That committee can kill the bill by simply not voting on it, which is why most bills never reach the floor. In the U.S. Congress, only about 5% of proposed bills are ever enacted, and committees are the primary gatekeepers.

Why this is interesting

You've probably heard that Congress passes laws, but did you know that almost all the real work happens in small committees you rarely hear about? These committees hold the key to why some issues get attention and others don't.