In light of the new Republican House majority’s denial of committee seats to Representatives Ilhan Omar, Eric Swalwell, and Adam Schiff, Heather and Joanne discuss the history and functioning of committees, from early debates over committee secrecy, to the role of the crucial 1890s role of the House Committee on Ways and Means, to the development of the Ethics and Intelligence Committees. 

How can congressional committees help us to understand the politics and culture of Washington? 

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For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/congressional-committeesand-power/

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