Most people with a general understanding of the United States federal system of government are aware that for a bill to become a law, it must first pass a vote by majority in Congress. However, there is a very important step in the legislative process that sometimes goes unnoticed. The committee system of the legislative process ensures that due attention is given to each bill presented to Congress. Each member of both houses is assigned to committees and subcommittees and is expected to become subject matter experts in their respective committee member roles. The committee system is necessary to ensure that each piece of legislation receives the consideration it deserves. Judy Schneider summarizes that: “Because of the high volume and complexity of its work, Congress divides its internal legislative, oversight, and administrative duties among committees and subcommittees” (The Committee System in the United States Congress 1). It would be a daunting task for each member of Congress to personally review every piece of legislation introduced each year. The purpose of the committees is to review legislation, based on the committee's area of ​​responsibility, and determine whether or not the bill will pass a vote of the full Congress. There are four different types of congressional committees that serve to review legislation before a vote. The categories are permanent, selected, conference and joint. Standing commissions are both permanent and bicameral. The Standing Committee ensures that legislation that falls into a common or recurring category is always assigned a committee. Select committees, on the other hand, focus on a specific issue and are usually only…middle of paper…committee level. To summarize, the congressional committee system is a double-edged system. spade. It ensures that each bill is given due attention, but can easily be corrupted by partisan influence. Certainly, however, the benefits far outweigh the consequences. Committees are an integral part of the legislative process. They help speed up the process of passing laws and ensure that only relevant issues are brought before the chambers of Congress. Works Cited Congressional Research Service. The Committee System in the United States Congress. By Judy Schneider. Rep. no. RS20794, 2 May 2003. Digital file. Congressional Research Service. Types and roles of committees. By Valerie Heitshusen. Rep. NO. 98-241, November 10, 2010. Digital file.Dautrich, Kenneth and David A. Yalof. Enduring Democracy.3rd ed. Manson: Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.