Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

Changes from December 4, 2020 to September 1, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, ~~December 4, 2020~~September 1, 2022
Rules, and Contents
Ida A. Brudnick
All House committees and most Senate committees are required to prepare reports each Congress All House committees and most Senate committees are required to prepare reports each Congress
Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress
detailing their activities. detailing their activities.

These committee activity reports provide a historical record of a committee’s legislative and These committee activity reports provide a historical record of a committee’s legislative and

oversight actions. They may serve as an introduction to the work of the individual committees, oversight actions. They may serve as an introduction to the work of the individual committees,
and, in many cases, they also provide information that is otherwise either not aggregated in one place or not available and, in many cases, they also provide information that is otherwise either not aggregated in one place or not available
elsewhere. elsewhere.
The committee activity reports are required by the rules of the House (House Rule XI, clause 1(d)) and Senate (Senate Rule The committee activity reports are required by the rules of the House (House Rule XI, clause 1(d)) and Senate (Senate Rule
XXVI, paragraph 8(b)). The reporting requirement dates to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (2 U.S.C.XXVI, paragraph 8(b)). The reporting requirement dates to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (2 U.S.C. §190d). §190d).
Each report covers the activities for one Congress. In odd-numbered years, House reports are to be filed by January 2, while Each report covers the activities for one Congress. In odd-numbered years, House reports are to be filed by January 2, while
Senate reports are to be filed by March 31. Senate reports are to be filed by March 31.
This report includes a discussion of the types of information that may be included This report includes a discussion of the types of information that may be included in the activity reports, variations across in the activity reports, variations across
reports and time, and the filing process. reports and time, and the filing process.
Table 1 provides a comparison of the committee activity reports and other congressional publications, including the types of provides a comparison of the committee activity reports and other congressional publications, including the types of
information found in each as well as their timeframe for coverage and publication. For example, the activity reports may be information found in each as well as their timeframe for coverage and publication. For example, the activity reports may be
more likely to provide discussion, analysis, or statistics than committee calendars (if published). They also provide a more likely to provide discussion, analysis, or statistics than committee calendars (if published). They also provide a
retrospective accounting of the actions taken by a particular committee, while House oversight plans, for example, provide retrospective accounting of the actions taken by a particular committee, while House oversight plans, for example, provide
information on prospective or planned actions. information on prospective or planned actions.
Th The Appendix lists activity reports issued by the House and Senate committees covering the 110th, 111th, 112th,lists activity reports issued by the House and Senate committees covering the 110th, 111th, 112th, 113th, 114th, 113th, 114th,
115th, and 116th~~and 115th~~ Congresses. Congresses.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 13 link to page 16 Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

Overview and Introduction
Both the House and Senate have adopted rules requiring their committees to produce regular Both the House and Senate have adopted rules requiring their committees to produce regular
reports of their activities. reports of their activities.
Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 1(d)(1), each House standing committee is to submit a report Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 1(d)(1), each House standing committee is to submit a report
to the House no later than January 2 of each odd-numbered year detailing its activities during the to the House no later than January 2 of each odd-numbered year detailing its activities during the
closing Congress.1 closing Congress.1
Pursuant to Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b), each Senate standing committee—with the Pursuant to Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b), each Senate standing committee—with the
exception of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget Committee—is to submit exception of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget Committee—is to submit
its report to the Senate no later than March 31 of each odd-numbered year, covering activities for its report to the Senate no later than March 31 of each odd-numbered year, covering activities for
the previous Congress.2 the previous Congress.2
As a record of a committee’s legislative and oversight actions, the reports may provide valuable As a record of a committee’s legislative and oversight actions, the reports may provide valuable
information for Members of Congress and their staff interested in learning more about a information for Members of Congress and their staff interested in learning more about a
Member’s new committee assignments or committee activities in certain subject areas. The Member’s new committee assignments or committee activities in certain subject areas. The
reports may also be a useful tool for new committee staff to learn about recent actions. reports may also be a useful tool for new committee staff to learn about recent actions.
More broadly, the activity reports provide a public record of the actions of congressional More broadly, the activity reports provide a public record of the actions of congressional
committees as committees as ~~wel~~ well as insight into the role of committees in congressional legislative oversight. In as insight into the role of committees in congressional legislative oversight. In
many cases, they also provide information that is otherwise either not aggregated in one place or many cases, they also provide information that is otherwise either not aggregated in one place or
not availablenot available elsewhere. The variations in the reports also elsewhere. The variations in the reports also ~~il uminate~~illuminate some of the differences in some of the differences in
committees, including their internal structure, norms, and operations. committees, including their internal structure, norms, and operations.
This CRS report This CRS report ~~wil address~~
will address  the purpose and history of these reports, including their predecessors;  the purpose and history of these reports, including their predecessors;
 required contents of the reports;  required contents of the reports;
 House and Senate Rules regarding the filing of reports;  House and Senate Rules regarding the filing of reports;
 a discussion of the types of information that may be included;  a discussion of the types of information that may be included;
 variations in the organization of the reports among committees;  variations in the organization of the reports among committees;
 provisions related to the inclusion of supplemental, minority, additional, or  provisions related to the inclusion of supplemental, minority, additional, or
dissenting views; dissenting views;
 additional historical changes to House and Senate Rules regarding the reports,  additional historical changes to House and Senate Rules regarding the reports,
including recent changes to the frequency of the reports in the House and the including recent changes to the frequency of the reports in the House and the
1974 revisions to the list of committees required to prepare activity reports; and 1974 revisions to the list of committees required to prepare activity reports; and
 the differences between the committee activity reports and other congressional  the differences between the committee activity reports and other congressional
publications, including committee calendars, House and Senate calendars, the publications, including committee calendars, House and Senate calendars, the
Résumé of Congressional Activity, and the House Document Repository at , and the House Document Repository at
docs.house.docs.house.gov. Table 1 provides examples of the types of information found in provides examples of the types of information found in
each publication as each publication as ~~wel~~ well as their timeframe for coverage and publication. as their timeframe for coverage and publication.
~~Final y~~Finally, t, the Appendix lists activity reports issued by House and Senate committees covering lists activity reports issued by House and Senate committees covering
activities of the 110th, 111th, 112th, 113th, 114th, activities of the 110th, 111th, 112th, 113th, 114th, 115th, and 116th Congresses. 1 The~~and 115th Congresses.~~

~~1 T he~~ House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has also filed House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has also filed a report for many, but not all, Congresses.a report for many, but not all, Congresses.
~~2 T he~~ 2 The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence also regularly files Senate Select Committee on Intelligence also regularly files these reports. these reports.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

1 1

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

Purpose and History
The development of committee activity reports is closely tied to congressional reform and The development of committee activity reports is closely tied to congressional reform and
reorganization efforts more reorganization efforts more ~~general y~~generally. .
The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 reorganized the House and Senate committee system, The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 reorganized the House and Senate committee system,
including the number and jurisdiction of congressional committees and their authorities, roles, including the number and jurisdiction of congressional committees and their authorities, roles,
and responsibilities. Section 136 of the act provided for a predecessor to the current committee and responsibilities. Section 136 of the act provided for a predecessor to the current committee
activity report requirement, stating that3activity report requirement, stating that3
~~each standing committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives shall~~ each standing committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives shall exercise exercise
continuous watchfulness of the execution by the administrative agencies concerned of any continuous watchfulness of the execution by the administrative agencies concerned of any
laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of such committee; and, for that laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of such committee; and, for that
purpose, shall study all pertinent reports and data submitted to the Congress by the agencies purpose, shall study all pertinent reports and data submitted to the Congress by the agencies
in the executive branch of the Government. in the executive branch of the Government.
Following the enactment of this law, many committees regularly published reports outlining their Following the enactment of this law, many committees regularly published reports outlining their
activities, either as committee prints or committee reports.4activities, either as committee prints or committee reports.4
In the late 1960s, Congress considered further revisions to the committee system.5 This internal In the late 1960s, Congress considered further revisions to the committee system.5 This internal
congressional examination culminated in the Legislativecongressional examination culminated in the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970. Pursuant to Reorganization Act of 1970. Pursuant to
this act, the “continuous watchfulness” function of committees was transformed to one providing this act, the “continuous watchfulness” function of committees was transformed to one providing
for “legislativefor “legislative review.”6 The act review.”6 The act ~~cal ed~~called for each standing committee of the Senate and the House for each standing committee of the Senate and the House
of Representatives to7of Representatives to7
review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, and execution of review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, and execution of
those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of that those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of that
committee. committee.
The 1970 act also formalized the requirement for periodic activity reports. A report accompanying The 1970 act also formalized the requirement for periodic activity reports. A report accompanying
the legislationthe legislation summarized the linkage between the new role for committees and the reporting summarized the linkage between the new role for committees and the reporting
requirement, stating that8requirement, stating that8
the intent of this requirement of a report every two years is to provide the House with an the intent of this requirement of a report every two years is to provide the House with an
additional means of appraising the results of the legislation which it has approved and to additional means of appraising the results of the legislation which it has approved and to

3 Ch. 753, August 2, 1946, 60 Stat. 832. 3 Ch. 753, August 2, 1946, 60 Stat. 832. ~~T his~~This was later incorporated into the House Rules was later incorporated into the House Rules (“ (“Adoption of the Rules for Adoption of the Rules for
the Eighty-the Eighty-~~T hird~~Third Congress,” Congress,” Congressional Record, vol. 99 (January 3, 1953), p. 19). , vol. 99 (January 3, 1953), p. 19).
4 See, 4 See, for example, U.S. Congress,for example, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Government Operations, House Committee on Government Operations, Activities Report of the House
~~Com m ittee on Governm ent~~Committee on Government Operations, ~~83 rd~~83rd Congress, committee print, 83rd Cong., December 1954 (Washington: , committee print, 83rd Cong., December 1954 (Washington:
GPO, 1955); and U.S.GPO, 1955); and U.S. Congress,Congress, Senate Committee on Government Operations, Senate Committee on Government Operations, Activities of the Senate ~~Com m ittee on~~
~~Governm ent~~Committee on Government Operations, 83rd Cong., 2nd sess., January 18, 1954, S.Rept. 852 (Washington: GPO, 1954), 83rd Cong., 2nd sess., January 18, 1954, S.Rept. 852 (Washington: GPO, 1954) . At least one . At least one
committee issued a compilation of these pre-1970 Reorganization Act reports: U.S. Congress, Housecommittee issued a compilation of these pre-1970 Reorganization Act reports: U.S. Congress, House Committee on Committee on
Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Interstate and Foreign Commerce, ~~Com pilation~~Compilation of Activity Reports of the ~~Com m ittee~~Committee on Interstate and Foreign
~~Com m erce~~Commerce (80th Through 91st Congresses) Together with Historical Data Concerning the ~~Com m ittee~~Committee, committee print, , committee print,
91st Cong., April 1971 (Washington: GPO, 1971). 91st Cong., April 1971 (Washington: GPO, 1971).
5 S. 5 S. 355, Section 105, as referred to the House Committee on Rules, March 9, 1967; H.R. 18039, Section 103, as 355, Section 105, as referred to the House Committee on Rules, March 9, 1967; H.R. 18039, Section 103, as
referred to the House Committee on Rules, Junereferred to the House Committee on Rules, June 20, 196820, 1968 . For a discussion. For a discussion of reform efforts, see CRSof reform efforts, see CRS Report Report
RL32112, RL32112, Reorganization of the Senate: Modern Reform Efforts, by Judy, by Judy ~~Schneider~~ Schneider et al., and CRSet al., and CRS Report RL31835, Report RL31835,
Reorganization of the House of Representatives: Modern Reform Efforts, by Judy, by Judy Schneider,Schneider, Betsy Palmer, and Betsy Palmer, and
Christopher M. Davis. Christopher M. Davis.
6 P.L. 91-510, October 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1156. 6 P.L. 91-510, October 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1156.
7 Ibid. 7 Ibid.
8 U.S.8 U.S. Congress, HouseCongress, House Committee on Rules, Committee on Rules, Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, report to accompany H.R. 17654, , report to accompany H.R. 17654,
91st Cong., 2nd sess., June91st Cong., 2nd sess., June 17, 1970, H.Rept. 91-1215 (Washington: GPO, 1970), p. 74. 17, 1970, H.Rept. 91-1215 (Washington: GPO, 1970), p. 74.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2 2

link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11 Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

emphasize emphasize the importancethe importance of the legislativeof the legislative review functionreview function of the Houseof the House standing standing
committees. committees.
The requirement for these reports, which appears at 2 U.S.C. §190d, was subsequently The requirement for these reports, which appears at 2 U.S.C. §190d, was subsequently
incorporated into the House and Senate Rules. incorporated into the House and Senate Rules.
Required Contents of the Reports
House Rules for the House Rules for the ~~116th~~117th Congress state that the committee activity reports are to include9 Congress state that the committee activity reports are to include9
 separate sections summarizing the committee’s legislative and oversight  separate sections summarizing the committee’s legislative and oversight
activities conducted pursuant to House Rule X and House Rule XI;10 activities conducted pursuant to House Rule X and House Rule XI;10
 a summary of the committee’s oversight plans, which are required by House Rule  a summary of the committee’s oversight plans, which are required by House Rule
X, clause 2(d);11 X, clause 2(d);11
 a summary of the actions taken and recommendations made with respect to these  a summary of the actions taken and recommendations made with respect to these
oversight plans; oversight plans;
 a summary of any additional oversight activities undertaken by a committee and  a summary of any additional oversight activities undertaken by a committee and
any recommendations made or related actions; and any recommendations made or related actions; and

~~9 House Rule XI, clause 1(d). T he Rules~~ 9 House Rule XI, clause 1(d). The Rules related to activity reports have been periodically revised. In addition to some related to activity reports have been periodically revised. In addition to some
of the changes describedof the changes described below,below, according to the according to the House Manual (H.Doc. 115-177, §791), “(H.Doc. 115-177, §791), “ Clerical and stylistic Clerical and stylistic
changes werechanges were effected when the House recodified its ruleseffected when the House recodified its rules in the in the ~~106 th~~106th Congress (H.Res. 5, January 6, 1999, p. 47),” Congress (H.Res. 5, January 6, 1999, p. 47),”
and “in the 112th Congress, the paragraph wasand “in the 112th Congress, the paragraph was rewritten entirely to clarify late-session filing ... (sec. 2(e)(13), H.Res. 5, rewritten entirely to clarify late-session filing ... (sec. 2(e)(13), H.Res. 5,
January 5, 2011, p. 80).” For rules changes affecting frequency, see January 5, 2011, p. 80).” For rules changes affecting frequency, see “ Additional Rules ~~Changes~~ Changes Affecting Activity
Reports.”
10 10 ~~T his~~This requirement for separate sections was requirement for separate sections was first adopted in the 104th Congress. first adopted in the 104th Congress.
11 11 ~~T he~~The requirement that committees adopt an oversight plan was first included requirement that committees adopt an oversight plan was first included in the rules for the in the rules for the ~~104 th~~104th Congress. Congress.
According to the “According to the “ Section-by-Section Analysis of House RulesSection-by-Section Analysis of House Rules Resolution” inserted into the Resolution” inserted into the Congressional Record, ,
“the intent of [the oversight reform] section [is] to ensure that committees make a more concerted, coordinated and “the intent of [the oversight reform] section [is] to ensure that committees make a more concerted, coordinated and
conscientious effort to develop meaningful oversight plans at the beginning of each Congressconscientious effort to develop meaningful oversight plans at the beginning of each Congress and to and to ~~fol low~~follow-through on -through on
their implementation, with a view to examining the full range of the lawstheir implementation, with a view to examining the full range of the laws under their jurisdiction under their jurisdiction ~~o ver~~over a period of five a period of five
Congresses”Congresses” ((Congressional Record, January 4, 1995,January 4, 1995, p. H35). p. H35).
~~T he~~The House Rules House Rules adopted for the 115th Congress (H.Res.adopted for the 115th Congress (H.Res. 5) added5) added references to newly requiredreferences to newly required authorization plans, in authorization plans, in
addition to previously requiredaddition to previously required oversight plans. According to a section-by-section analysis of the rules change posted oversight plans. According to a section-by-section analysis of the rules change posted
by the House Rulesby the House Rules Committee and inserted into the Committee and inserted into the Congressional Record: :
~~T he~~The plan must include plan must include a list of unauthorized programs and agencies within their jurisdiction that a list of unauthorized programs and agencies within their jurisdiction that
have received fundinghave received funding in the prior fiscal year, or in the case of a permanent authorization, has not in the prior fiscal year, or in the case of a permanent authorization, has not
received a comprehensive review by the committee in the prior three Congresses. received a comprehensive review by the committee in the prior three Congresses. ~~T he~~The subsection subsection
requiresrequires committees to describe each program or agency that is intended to be authorized in the committees to describe each program or agency that is intended to be authorized in the
current Congress or next Congress, and a descriptioncurrent Congress or next Congress, and a description of oversight to support reauthorization in the of oversight to support reauthorization in the
current Congress. current Congress. ~~T he~~The subsection also requires subsection also requires recommendations, if any, for moving such programs recommendations, if any, for moving such programs
or agenciesor agencies from mandatory to discretionary funding (from mandatory to discretionary funding (Congressional Record, January 3, 2017, p. January 3, 2017, p.
H12). H12).
~~T he~~The rules for the 116th Congress (H.Res. 6) restored the original requirement for oversight plans and deleted references rules for the 116th Congress (H.Res. 6) restored the original requirement for oversight plans and deleted references
to authorization plans. to authorization plans. ~~T he~~The submission process for oversight plans, and related deadlines, submission process for oversight plans, and related deadlines, ~~was~~ was also changedalso changed at this time. at this time.
A technical amendment to the House RulesA technical amendment to the House Rules pertaining to activity reports deleted references to the authorization plans pertaining to activity reports deleted references to the authorization plans
(House Rule(House Rule XI, clauseXI, clause 1(d)(2)(B) and clause 1(d)(2)(C)). 1(d)(2)(B) and clause 1(d)(2)(C)).
~~T he~~The plans are compiled as a House plans are compiled as a House report. For example, U.S. Congress,report. For example, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Oversight and Reform, House Committee on Oversight and Reform,
Authorization and Oversight Plan for all House ~~Com m ittees~~~~, 116th~~Committees, 117th Cong., 1st sess., Cong., 1st sess., April April ~~19, 2019~~15, 2021, H.Rept. , H.Rept. ~~116-40~~117-17
(Washington: GPO, (Washington: GPO, ~~2019~~2021). ).
~~T he~~The Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Ethics, and the Committee on Rules are exempt from the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Ethics, and the Committee on Rules are exempt from the
requirement to adopt oversight plans. requirement to adopt oversight plans.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

3 3

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

 a delineation of any hearings held on the topics of waste, fraud, abuse, or  a delineation of any hearings held on the topics of waste, fraud, abuse, or
mismanagement. Pursuant to clause 2 of House Rule XI,12 committees are mismanagement. Pursuant to clause 2 of House Rule XI,12 committees are
required “to hold at least one hearing during each 120-day period” on these required “to hold at least one hearing during each 120-day period” on these
topics. The hearings are to focus in particular on reports from inspectors general topics. The hearings are to focus in particular on reports from inspectors general
or the Comptroller General of the United States and programs or operations that or the Comptroller General of the United States and programs or operations that
are considered “high-risk.”13are considered “high-risk.”13
Senate Rules do not Senate Rules do not ~~specifical y~~specifically address required contents, other than to say that the reports are to address required contents, other than to say that the reports are to
cover activities carried out under Senate Rule XXVI(8)(a).14 This paragraph states that,15 cover activities carried out under Senate Rule XXVI(8)(a).14 This paragraph states that,15
(a) In order to assist the Senate in— (a) In order to assist the Senate in—
(1) its analysis, (1) its analysis, appraisal,appraisal, and evaluationand evaluation of the application,of the application, administration,administration, and and
execution of the laws enacted by the Congress, and execution of the laws enacted by the Congress, and
(2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of such modifications of or changes (2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of such modifications of or changes
in those laws, and of such additional legislation, as may be necessary or appropriate, in those laws, and of such additional legislation, as may be necessary or appropriate,
each standing committee (except the Committees on Appropriations and the Budget), each standing committee (except the Committees on Appropriations and the Budget),
shallshall review andreview and ~~study, on a continuing basis the application, administration, and~~
~~execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within~~ study, on a continuing basis the application, administration, and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the the
legislative jurisdiction of that committee.... legislative jurisdiction of that committee....
Filing the Reports
Both the House and Senate reports cover an entire Congress and are to be filed each odd-Both the House and Senate reports cover an entire Congress and are to be filed each odd-
numbered year. numbered year.
Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 1(d)(1), reports are to be filed by January 2.16 A House chair Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 1(d)(1), reports are to be filed by January 2.16 A House chair
may file the report after the sine die adjournment17 or after December 15 of an even-numbered may file the report after the sine die adjournment17 or after December 15 of an even-numbered
year, whichever occurs first.18 The report is filed with the Clerk of the House. House Rules do not year, whichever occurs first.18 The report is filed with the Clerk of the House. House Rules do not

~~12 T he~~ 12 The requirement for hearings related to waste, fraud, requirement for hearings related to waste, fraud, abuse,abuse, or mismanagementor mismanagement ~~was~~ was adopted duringadopted during the 111th the 111th
CongressCongress when the House agreedwhen the House agreed to H.Res. 40 on January 14, 2009. to H.Res. 40 on January 14, 2009. ~~T he~~The resolution also amended clause resolution also amended clause 1 of House 1 of House
RuleRule XI to require that the activity reports “XI to require that the activity reports “ delineate any hearings held pursuant to” this new languagedelineate any hearings held pursuant to” this new language (clauses(clauses 2(n), 2(n),
(o), and (p)). (o), and (p)). ~~T his language was~~ This language was incorporated in the House Rulesincorporated in the House Rules in subsequentin subsequent ~~Con gresses~~ Congresses. .
13 For example, the Government Accountability Office maintains a “High Risk List” at http://www.gao.gov/highrisk/ 13 For example, the Government Accountability Office maintains a “High Risk List” at http://www.gao.gov/highrisk/
overview. overview.
14 Senate Rule14 Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b). XXVI, paragraph 8(b).
15 U.S.15 U.S. Congress, Senate, Congress, Senate, Standing Rules of the Senate, Revised, Revised to January 24, 2013, 113th Cong., November 4, 2013, to January 24, 2013, 113th Cong., November 4, 2013,
S.Doc. 113-18 (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 35. Available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-113sdoc18/S.Doc. 113-18 (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 35. Available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-113sdoc18/
pdf/CDOC-113sdoc18.pdf. pdf/CDOC-113sdoc18.pdf.
16 House activity reports, therefore, are often numerically among the last House reports filed each Congress. 16 House activity reports, therefore, are often numerically among the last House reports filed each Congress. ~~T he~~The Senate Senate
activity reports, conversely, are numerically oftenactivity reports, conversely, are numerically often —but not always—among the earlier Senate reports filed each —but not always—among the earlier Senate reports filed each
Congress. AsCongress. As part of a congressional reform effort in 1974, the House Select Committee on Committees considered the part of a congressional reform effort in 1974, the House Select Committee on Committees considered the
requirement that committees file the activity reports by January 2. One Member suggestedrequirement that committees file the activity reports by January 2. One Member suggested that since committee that since committee
activities could continue through that day (pursuant to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified January 23, activities could continue through that day (pursuant to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified January 23,
1933, the terms of Senators and Representatives begin at noon on the 3rd day of January), the committees could be 1933, the terms of Senators and Representatives begin at noon on the 3rd day of January), the committees could be
provided with additional time to file their reports. Committee Chairman Richard Bolling and others, however, reminded provided with additional time to file their reports. Committee Chairman Richard Bolling and others, however, reminded
their colleaguestheir colleagues that “We are not a continuing body,” and that imposing such a requirement on future Congressesthat “We are not a continuing body,” and that imposing such a requirement on future Congresses may may
be problematic. be problematic. ~~T he~~The January 2 deadline January 2 deadline remained unchanged (U.S.remained unchanged (U.S. Congress,Congress, House Select Committee on House Select Committee on ~~Com mittees,~~
~~Com m ittee Reform Am endm ents~~Committees, Committee Reform Amendments of 1974, 93rd Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 1974), p. 618). , 93rd Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 1974), p. 618).
17 A sine die adjournment is “ 17 A sine die adjournment is “ an adjournment that ends an annual session.” For additional information, see CRSan adjournment that ends an annual session.” For additional information, see CRS Report Report
R42977, R42977, Sessions, ~~Adjournm ents~~Adjournments, and Recesses of Congress, by Richard S., by Richard S. Beth and ValerieBeth and Valerie Heitshusen. Heitshusen.
18 The~~18 T he~~ rules adopted for the 112th Congress (H.Res. 5, January 5, 2011) added rules adopted for the 112th Congress (H.Res. 5, January 5, 2011) added the reference to December 15 of an eventhe reference to December 15 of an even --
numberednumbered year. year. ~~T he~~The effect is to allow the report to be filed before sine die effect is to allow the report to be filed before sine die adjournment when the House continues to adjournment when the House continues to
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4 4

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

require committee approval of the report, although a copy of the report must be available to each require committee approval of the report, although a copy of the report must be available to each
committee member for at least seven calendar days.19 House committee activity reports committee member for at least seven calendar days.19 House committee activity reports ~~general y~~generally
include a letter of transmittal from the chair of the committee to the Clerk. One committee—the include a letter of transmittal from the chair of the committee to the Clerk. One committee—the
House Ethics Committee, which is comprised of an equal number of Members from the majority House Ethics Committee, which is comprised of an equal number of Members from the majority
and minority party pursuant to House Rule X—and minority party pursuant to House Rule X—~~general y~~generally has included a transmittal letter signed has included a transmittal letter signed
by both the chair and ranking minority member. A few committees have included in their by both the chair and ranking minority member. A few committees have included in their
transmittal letters a disclaimer indicating the “document is intended as a general reference tool, transmittal letters a disclaimer indicating the “document is intended as a general reference tool,
and not as a substitute for the hearing records, reports, and other committee files.”20 and not as a substitute for the hearing records, reports, and other committee files.”20
Pursuant to Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b), reports are to be filed by March 31. As stated Pursuant to Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b), reports are to be filed by March 31. As stated
above, the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget Committee are exempt from this above, the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget Committee are exempt from this
requirement.21 In addition to the other standing committees, the Senate Select Committee on requirement.21 In addition to the other standing committees, the Senate Select Committee on
~~Intel igence~~Intelligence also regularly files these reports. Committees sometimes have filed a report late or also regularly files these reports. Committees sometimes have filed a report late or
not at not at al all, and it is not clear how the Senate Rule requiring activity reports could be enforced by , and it is not clear how the Senate Rule requiring activity reports could be enforced by
the full Senate. the full Senate.
~~Additional y,~~ Additionally, House and Senate committees are required to adopt their own rules. While these House and Senate committees are required to adopt their own rules. While these
rules cannot conflict with the chamber rules, the committee rules may further address the filing rules cannot conflict with the chamber rules, the committee rules may further address the filing
process for activity reports.22process for activity reports.22
Additional Contents and Variations
The activity reports are as varied as the committees that produce them. Across committees, they The activity reports are as varied as the committees that produce them. Across committees, they
may differ in organization, level of detail, and information covered. These variations also appear may differ in organization, level of detail, and information covered. These variations also appear
across time, as individual chairs may influence the priorities of their committees. Consequently, across time, as individual chairs may influence the priorities of their committees. Consequently,
comparisons across committees or across time using information only found in these reports may comparisons across committees or across time using information only found in these reports may
~~be chal enging~~be challenging. .
Organization
Some reports are organized by topic, while others are organized by full committee and Some reports are organized by topic, while others are organized by full committee and
subcommittee activities. Additionalsubcommittee activities. Additional organizational or administrative variations in activity reports organizational or administrative variations in activity reports
include whether or not they contain include whether or not they contain
 an overview or history of the committee,  an overview or history of the committee,

meet past December 15. meet past December 15.
19 This clause was added ~~19 T his clause was added~~ by H.Res. 5, January 7, 1997, p. 121. One committee, the House Committee on Education and by H.Res. 5, January 7, 1997, p. 121. One committee, the House Committee on Education and
Labor, has traditionally indicated in the transmittal letter the date the report was circulated to Members and whether or Labor, has traditionally indicated in the transmittal letter the date the report was circulated to Members and whether or
not minority views were received. For example, see H.Rept. 114-904. Sometimes, a committee has formally resolved to not minority views were received. For example, see H.Rept. 114-904. Sometimes, a committee has formally resolved to
approve the activity report during a businessapprove the activity report during a business meeting (for example, Housemeeting (for example, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, December Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, December
11, 2014, business11, 2014, business meeting, http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=102794). meeting, http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=102794).
20 For example, see the House Committee on 20 For example, see the House Committee on ~~T ransportation~~Transportation and Infrastructure report for the 114th Congress (H.Rept. and Infrastructure report for the 114th Congress (H.Rept.
114-899) and the House Committee on Science report for the 114-899) and the House Committee on Science report for the ~~105 th~~105th Congress (H.Rept. 105-847). Congress (H.Rept. 105-847).
21 The~~21 T he~~ exception for the Senate Appropriations Committee was included exception for the Senate Appropriations Committee was included in the 1970 act, with the Senate Budget in the 1970 act, with the Senate Budget
Committee added to this paragraph when the committee was establishedCommittee added to this paragraph when the committee was established with the enactment of the Congressional with the enactment of the Congressional
BudgetBudget and Impoundment Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344). The Senate Budget Committee, however, did file a report for the and Impoundment Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344). The Senate Budget Committee, however, did file a report for the
113th Congress (S.Rept. 114-31). 113th Congress (S.Rept. 114-31).
22 For House 22 For House committee rules, see U.S.committee rules, see U.S. Congress, HouseCongress, House Committee on Rules, Committee on Rules, Rules Adopted by the Committees of the
House of Representatives, committee print, 116th Cong., 1st sess., RCP, committee print, 116th Cong., 1st sess., RCP 116-25-35 (116-25-35 (~~Washingt on~~Washington: GPO, 2019). For : GPO, 2019). For
Senate committee rules, see U.S.Senate committee rules, see U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Congress, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Authority and Rules of
Senate ~~Com m ittees, 2019-2020, 116th~~Committees, 2021-2022, 117th Cong., 1st sess., S.Doc. Cong., 1st sess., S.Doc. ~~116~~ 117-6 (Washington: GPO, -6 (Washington: GPO, ~~2019~~2021). ).
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

5 5

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

 a foreword from the committee chair,  a foreword from the committee chair,
 a table of contents,  a table of contents,
 information on subcommittee jurisdictions and memberships, and  information on subcommittee jurisdictions and memberships, and
 listings of names and titles of senior or other staff.  listings of names and titles of senior or other staff.
Inclusion of Supplemental, Minority, Additional, or
Dissenting Views
Pursuant to House Rules, House committee activity reports are to include “any supplemental, Pursuant to House Rules, House committee activity reports are to include “any supplemental,
minority, additional, or dissenting views submitted by a member of the committee.”23 The minority, additional, or dissenting views submitted by a member of the committee.”23 The
frequency with which these additional views appear varies greatly across committees. For frequency with which these additional views appear varies greatly across committees. For
example, since the 104th Congress, activity reports from the Committee on Rules, on Education example, since the 104th Congress, activity reports from the Committee on Rules, on Education
and Labor, and on House Administration frequently contained additionaland Labor, and on House Administration frequently contained additional views. Conversely, a views. Conversely, a
number of committees—for example, the Committees on Appropriations, number of committees—for example, the Committees on Appropriations, ~~Intel igence~~Intelligence, Ethics, , Ethics,
Armed Services, and Armed Services, and ~~Smal~~ Small Business—rarely, if ever, contained these views during the same Business—rarely, if ever, contained these views during the same
period. The length of additionalperiod. The length of additional views has also varied, from a few sentences to more than 50 views has also varied, from a few sentences to more than 50
pages.24pages.24
Senate Rules do not address the inclusion of additional views in activity reports. Their inclusion Senate Rules do not address the inclusion of additional views in activity reports. Their inclusion
appears to be infrequent.25appears to be infrequent.25
Types of Information Included and Presentation
Aside from the required contents addressed in the House and Senate Rules, broad discretion is Aside from the required contents addressed in the House and Senate Rules, broad discretion is
given to each committee in preparing its own report. given to each committee in preparing its own report.
The committee activity reports vary in their level of detail in describing oversight activities and The committee activity reports vary in their level of detail in describing oversight activities and
hearings. Some committees provide lists of these actions, while others provide lengthy hearings. Some committees provide lists of these actions, while others provide lengthy
descriptions, analysis, and appendices. Relatedly, while many provide lists of documents, descriptions, analysis, and appendices. Relatedly, while many provide lists of documents,
correspondence, or publications, some contain full-text reproductions. These variations are correspondence, or publications, some contain full-text reproductions. These variations are
evident in the varying lengths of these reports—for example, House activity reports for the 114th evident in the varying lengths of these reports—for example, House activity reports for the 114th
Congress ranged in length from 22 pages to 485 pages; Senate activity reports ranged from 20 Congress ranged in length from 22 pages to 485 pages; Senate activity reports ranged from 20
pages to 130 pages. pages to 130 pages.
The activity reports provide an overview of a variety of issues within the committee’s The activity reports provide an overview of a variety of issues within the committee’s
jurisdiction. They may also address actions taken and work produced by the individual jurisdiction. They may also address actions taken and work produced by the individual
committees, including, for example,26 committees, including, for example,26
  committee publications, including information on published and unpublished , including information on published and unpublished
hearings; hearings;
  public statements and press releases; ;

23 A prior version of this clause, which23 A prior version of this clause, which ~~addressed “~~ addressed “supplemental, minority, or additional” views, wassupplemental, minority, or additional” views, was expanded to expanded to
includeinclude “dissenting” views“dissenting” views in the 114th Congress (H.Res. 5, 114th Congress). in the 114th Congress (H.Res. 5, 114th Congress).
24 For example, see U.S.24 For example, see U.S. Congress, HouseCongress, House Committee on Homeland Security, Committee on Homeland Security, Report on the Legislative and Oversight
Activities, 112th Cong., 2nd sess., December 27, 2012, H.Rept. 112-730 (Washington: GPO, 2012), pp. 376-426. , 112th Cong., 2nd sess., December 27, 2012, H.Rept. 112-730 (Washington: GPO, 2012), pp. 376-426.
25 25 ~~T he~~The following reports, however, did include following reports, however, did include additional views:additional views: S.Rept. 114-178, from the Senate Committee on S.Rept. 114-178, from the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations; S.Rept. 116-20, S.Rept. 114-8 and S.Rept. 113-7, from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Foreign Relations; S.Rept. 116-20, S.Rept. 114-8 and S.Rept. 113-7, from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence;
and S.Rept. 112-6, from the Senate Committee on Small Business.and S.Rept. 112-6, from the Senate Committee on Small Business.
26 List compiled from CRS 26 List compiled from CRS survey of activity reports issued since the survey of activity reports issued since the ~~104 th~~104th Congress. Congress.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

6 6

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

  “Dear Colleague” letters issued by the committee chair; issued by the committee chair;
  committee resolutions. The use of committee resolutions may vary by . The use of committee resolutions may vary by
committee, but they may include internal committee agreements concerning the committee, but they may include internal committee agreements concerning the
adoption of committee rules, oversight plans, or the committee’s organization. adoption of committee rules, oversight plans, or the committee’s organization.
Committees may also consider resolutions that are specific to their jurisdictional Committees may also consider resolutions that are specific to their jurisdictional
responsibilities;27 responsibilities;27
  correspondence to or from executive branch or other officials, including or other officials, including
related presidential messages and proclamations; related presidential messages and proclamations;
 a copy or summary of the committee’s “  a copy or summary of the committee’s “views and estimates,” which addresses ,” which addresses
budgetary matters within its jurisdiction.28 Some committees also include budgetary matters within its jurisdiction.28 Some committees also include
minority comments on the “views and estimates”; minority comments on the “views and estimates”;
 memoranda clarifying jurisdictional agreements between committees;29  memoranda clarifying jurisdictional agreements between committees;29
  information on Member or staff travel, including locations visited, issues , including locations visited, issues
investigated, or conferences or other events attended; investigated, or conferences or other events attended;
 conference committee appointments;  conference committee appointments;
 approval by the committee of  approval by the committee of consultant contracts; ;
 information on  information on committee witnesses, arranged by hearing or by category (e.g., , arranged by hearing or by category (e.g.,
congressional, executive branch, nongovernmental, and foreign); congressional, executive branch, nongovernmental, and foreign);
 activities specific to the Senate, for Senate committees (i.e.,  activities specific to the Senate, for Senate committees (i.e., consideration of
treaties and nominations););
  activities specific to roles and responsibilities of certain committees or
pursuant to various laws (for example, advice and guidance from the House or (for example, advice and guidance from the House or
Senate Committee on Ethics; information on waivers of House Rules, the Budget Senate Committee on Ethics; information on waivers of House Rules, the Budget
Act, or the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act by the House Committee on Rules;30 Act, or the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act by the House Committee on Rules;30

27 For example, some Committee on House Administration reports include references to resolutions adopted approving 27 For example, some Committee on House Administration reports include references to resolutions adopted approving
franked mail allowancesfranked mail allowances for the standing and select committees, allocating funding for certain committees from the for the standing and select committees, allocating funding for certain committees from the
Reserve Fund,Reserve Fund, or amending internal House regulations governing, for example, shared employees, the student loan or amending internal House regulations governing, for example, shared employees, the student loan
repayment program, or revising the Members’ Congressional Handbook. In addition, for example, a House Committee repayment program, or revising the Members’ Congressional Handbook. In addition, for example, a House Committee
on on ~~T ransportation~~Transportation and Infrastructure report lists “ and Infrastructure report lists “ Committee Resolutions (Authorizing the General Services Committee Resolutions (Authorizing the General Services
Administration Capital Investment and Leasing Program)” (H.Rept. 114-899), while a Senate Committee on Administration Capital Investment and Leasing Program)” (H.Rept. 114-899), while a Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works report lists “Environment and Public Works report lists “ committee resolutions for public buildings”committee resolutions for public buildings” (S.Rept. 107-100). (S.Rept. 107-100). ~~T he~~The House House
Committee on Armed ServicesCommittee on Armed Services and the Committee on Homeland Security have usedand the Committee on Homeland Security have used committee resolutions to adopt committee resolutions to adopt
committee rules and appoint staff (U.S. Congress, Housecommittee rules and appoint staff (U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Services,Committee on Armed Services, Organizational Meeting for
the 115th Congress, 115th Cong., 1st sess.,, 115th Cong., 1st sess., January 12, 2017 (Washington: GPO, 2017); and H.Rept. 114-907). January 12, 2017 (Washington: GPO, 2017); and H.Rept. 114-907). ~~T he~~The
Senate Committee on Small BusinessSenate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship report for the and Entrepreneurship report for the ~~115 th~~115th Congress also listed “ Congress also listed “ Sense of the Sense of the
Committee” resolutions (S.Rept. 115-33). Committee” resolutions (S.Rept. 115-33).
28 28 ~~T hese~~These are required are required pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Congressional Budgetpursuant to Section 310(d) of the Congressional Budget ~~Act~~ Act. P.L. 93-944, 88 Stat. 307, July 12, . P.L. 93-944, 88 Stat. 307, July 12,
1974; House Rule1974; House Rule X, clauseX, clause 4(f)(1) and 11(c)(3). 4(f)(1) and 11(c)(3). ~~T he~~The “views and estimates” are to be submitted to the respective “views and estimates” are to be submitted to the respective
budgetbudget committees no later than six weeks after the President’s budget iscommittees no later than six weeks after the President’s budget is submitted or by a date requestedsubmitted or by a date requested by the by the
Committee on the BudgetCommittee on the Budget . In addition to potential references in the activity reports, the “. In addition to potential references in the activity reports, the “ views and estimates” often are views and estimates” often are
printed in the committee report accompanying the budget resolution or compiled as a separate committee print. For printed in the committee report accompanying the budget resolution or compiled as a separate committee print. For
additional information, see CRSadditional information, see CRS Report 98-512, Report 98-512, ~~Form ulation~~Formulation and Content of the Budget Resolution , by Bill, by Bill Heniff Jr. Heniff Jr.
29 For example, some of the House Financial Services Committee activity reports provide information on a 29 For example, some of the House Financial Services Committee activity reports provide information on a
memorandum of understandingmemorandum of understanding between the chairmen of the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on between the chairmen of the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on
Energy and Commerce (for example, H.Rept. 112-355). Energy and Commerce (for example, H.Rept. 112-355).
30 30 ~~T he~~The reporting requirement for waived points of order under the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act was reporting requirement for waived points of order under the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act was ~~included~~ included in P.L. in P.L.
104-4 (March 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 63; 2 U.S.C. 1514). 104-4 (March 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 63; 2 U.S.C. 1514).
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

7 7

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

and participation in international conferences and “Committee-Hosted Dignitary and participation in international conferences and “Committee-Hosted Dignitary
Meetings” by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs);Meetings” by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs);
  petitions and memorials submitted to the committee; submitted to the committee;
  investigations conducted by the committee; conducted by the committee;
  support provided by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), including (GAO), including
reports requested or issued and related high-risk areas identified; reports requested or issued and related high-risk areas identified;
  special studies or task forces; ;
 information on  information on examinations into “waste, fraud, abuse, and
mismanagement”;31”;31
 information on  information on regulatory review efforts; and ; and
  publications prepared separately by the majority or minority members or staff of prepared separately by the majority or minority members or staff of
the committee.32 the committee.32
Some reports also include tabular information and statistical summaries of committee meetings, Some reports also include tabular information and statistical summaries of committee meetings,
including the number of days or pages of hearings, and the number of field hearings, joint including the number of days or pages of hearings, and the number of field hearings, joint
hearings, closed hearings, business meetings, markup sessions, or witnesses. hearings, closed hearings, business meetings, markup sessions, or witnesses.
Others include tables providing information on legislation Others include tables providing information on legislation considered by the committee, including considered by the committee, including
the total number of the total number of ~~bil s~~bills and resolutions referred to the committee, reported, and passed by the and resolutions referred to the committee, reported, and passed by the
chamber, or enacted into law. chamber, or enacted into law.
Additional Rules Changes Affecting Activity
Reports
~~Recent~~ Changes to Frequency in the House of Representatives:
112th-114th Congresses
~~General y~~Generally, since 1970, one committee activity report has been required each Congress. , since 1970, one committee activity report has been required each Congress.
The House The House ~~recently~~has experimented with increasing the frequency of these reports, before reverting experimented with increasing the frequency of these reports, before reverting
to the prior practice of one report, issued at the end of each Congress. More to the prior practice of one report, issued at the end of each Congress. More ~~specifical y~~specifically, the ~~, the~~
House Rules have provided for House Rules have provided for
 one report per Congress (92nd –111th Congresses);  one report per Congress (92nd –111th Congresses);
 biannual reports, totaling four reports each Congress (112th Congress);  biannual reports, totaling four reports each Congress (112th Congress);
 annual reports, totaling two reports each Congress (113th Congress); and  annual reports, totaling two reports each Congress (113th Congress); and
 one report per Congress (114th and subsequent Congresses).33  one report per Congress (114th and subsequent Congresses).33

31 As stated above, pursuant to clause31 As stated above, pursuant to clause 2 of House2 of House ~~Rule~~ Rule XI, HouseXI, House committees are requiredcommittees are required “to hold at least one hearing “to hold at least one hearing
duringduring each 120-day period” on these topics. each 120-day period” on these topics. ~~T he~~The hearings are to focus in particular on reports from inspectors general hearings are to focus in particular on reports from inspectors general
or the Comptroller General of the United States and programs or operations that are considered “or the Comptroller General of the United States and programs or operations that are considered “ ~~high~~ high-risk.” -risk.”
32 For example, the House Budget32 For example, the House Budget Committee regularly lists separate majority and minority caucus publications. Committee regularly lists separate majority and minority caucus publications.
33 H.Res. 5, January 5, 2011, Section 2(e)(13); H.Res. 5, January 3, 2013, Section 2(a); H.Res. 5, January 6, 2015, 33 H.Res. 5, January 5, 2011, Section 2(e)(13); H.Res. 5, January 3, 2013, Section 2(a); H.Res. 5, January 6, 2015,
Section 2(a)(4). According to the “Section 2(a)(4). According to the “ Section-By-Section Analysis” of the House RulesSection-By-Section Analysis” of the House Rules changes for the 112th Congress changes for the 112th Congress
inserted into the inserted into the Congressional Record, the provision was “, the provision was “ intended to provide the House with more frequent updates intended to provide the House with more frequent updates
regardingregarding the oversight and legislative the oversight and legislative ~~activit ies~~activities of the committees” ( of the committees” (Congressional Record, January 5, 2011, p. H14)., January 5, 2011, p. H14).
~~See also CRS Report R42395, A Retrospective of House Rules Changes Since the 110th Congress, by Michael L.~~
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

8 8

link to page 13 link to page 13 Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

1974 Revisions to Committees Required to Prepare Activity Reports
Pursuant to House Rule XI, the requirement for activity reports has applied to Pursuant to House Rule XI, the requirement for activity reports has applied to al all House House
committees since the 94th Congress (1975-1976).34 From the enactment of the Legislative committees since the 94th Congress (1975-1976).34 From the enactment of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1970 until the 94th Congress, the House Committees on Appropriations, Reorganization Act of 1970 until the 94th Congress, the House Committees on Appropriations,
House Administration, Rules, Ethics (formerly Standards of Official Conduct), and Budget (upon House Administration, Rules, Ethics (formerly Standards of Official Conduct), and Budget (upon
its establishment in 1974)35 were exempt from the requirement that committees file activity its establishment in 1974)35 were exempt from the requirement that committees file activity
reports. These committees had reports. These committees had ~~original y~~originally been exempted from the 1970 act, according to the been exempted from the 1970 act, according to the
accompanying House report, “because ... their respective areas of jurisdiction do not embrace accompanying House report, “because ... their respective areas of jurisdiction do not embrace
legislativelegislative areas of the type contemplated by the legislativeareas of the type contemplated by the legislative review provisions of the revised review provisions of the revised
clause ... The inclusion of these committees within the purview of that clause would, therefore, be clause ... The inclusion of these committees within the purview of that clause would, therefore, be
meaningless.”36 The exception was removed with the adoption of H.Res. 988 (93rd Congress), the meaningless.”36 The exception was removed with the adoption of H.Res. 988 (93rd Congress), the
Committee Reform Amendments of 1974, on October 8, 1974. Committee Reform Amendments of 1974, on October 8, 1974.
An exemption from the reporting requirement for the Senate Budget Committee was added to An exemption from the reporting requirement for the Senate Budget Committee was added to
Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b), upon the creation of the committee in 1974.37 Senate Rule XXVI, paragraph 8(b), upon the creation of the committee in 1974.37
Committee Activity Reports Compared to Other
Congressional Publications
In addition to the committee activity reports, the House and Senate each produce a number of In addition to the committee activity reports, the House and Senate each produce a number of
other publications that document their activities. These publications vary in their frequency, other publications that document their activities. These publications vary in their frequency,
content, and scope (e.g., coverage of the entire chamber or only certain committees), and in how content, and scope (e.g., coverage of the entire chamber or only certain committees), and in how
they are issued (e.g., as committee reports, committee documents, House or Senate documents, they are issued (e.g., as committee reports, committee documents, House or Senate documents,
printing in the printing in the Congressional Record, or online-only availability), or online-only availability). . Table 1 provides a brief provides a brief
comparison of selected publications. comparison of selected publications.
The committee activity reports, compared to the other publications, may be more likely to provide The committee activity reports, compared to the other publications, may be more likely to provide
discussion, analysis, or statistics. They also aggregate selected types of information about a discussion, analysis, or statistics. They also aggregate selected types of information about a
committee in one place. They also differ from some of the other publications since they provide a committee in one place. They also differ from some of the other publications since they provide a
retrospective accounting of the actions taken by a particular committee, rather than information retrospective accounting of the actions taken by a particular committee, rather than information
on prospective, planned, or ongoing actions. on prospective, planned, or ongoing actions.

~~Koempel and Judy Schneider.~~
~~34 U.S. Congress, House,~~ 34 U.S. Congress, House, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives, 113th Cong., 2nd , 113th Cong., 2nd
sess.,sess., H.Doc. 113-181 (Washington: GPO, 2015), pp. 549H.Doc. 113-181 (Washington: GPO, 2015), pp. 549 -551. -551.
35 35 ~~T he~~The House and Senate Budget House and Senate Budget ~~Commit tees~~ Committees were established with the enactment of the Congressional Budget and were established with the enactment of the Congressional Budget and
Impoundment Act of 1974, P.L. 93-344, July 12, 1974, 88 Stat. 301. Impoundment Act of 1974, P.L. 93-344, July 12, 1974, 88 Stat. 301.
36 U.S. 36 U.S. Congress, HouseCongress, House Committee on Rules, Committee on Rules, Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, report on H.R. 17654, 91st , report on H.R. 17654, 91st
Cong., 2nd sess., JuneCong., 2nd sess., June 17, 1970, H.Rept. 91-1215 (Washington: GPO, 1970), p. 74. See also 2 U.S.C.17, 1970, H.Rept. 91-1215 (Washington: GPO, 1970), p. 74. See also 2 U.S.C. §190d(c).§190d(c).
37 P.L. 93-344, July 12, 1974, 88 Stat. 331. 37 P.L. 93-344, July 12, 1974, 88 Stat. 331.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

9 9

link to page 14 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 14 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Table 1. Committee Activity Reports and Other Selected Congressional Publications: Frequency, Content, Rules, and Other
Information
Other Information
Title or Description of
Frequency of
Prepared or
Rules,
(Publication Type
Publication
Publication
Maintained by
Examples of Information Included
If Any
or Link)
House and Senate
Once per Congress, Once per Congress,
Individual committees Individual committees
Committee Committee rules,rules, membership,membership, actions, actions,
Required by Required by
Issued as committee Issued as committee
Committee Activity
by January 2 by January 2
in the House and in the House and
and activities. and activities. Contents vary by Contents vary by
House Rule XI House Rule XI
~~reportsa~~ reportsa
Reports
(House) or by (House) or by
Senate Senate
committee, committee, but may also have but may also have
and Senate Rule and Senate Rule
March 31 (Senate) March 31 (Senate)
discussion, discussion, analysis, statistics, or analysis, statistics, or
XXVI XXVI
of an odd-numbered of an odd-numbered
documents. documents.
year year
House Oversight Plans
Once per Congress Once per Congress
Individual committees Individual committees
Planned review and legislative Planned review and legislative activities activities
Required by Required by
Compilation issued as Compilation issued as
(Not later than (Not later than
in the in the ~~Hous~~ebHouseb
within each committee’s within each committee’s jurisdiction jurisdiction
House Rule X House Rule X
a committee a committee reporreportc
March 1 of the first March 1 of the first
sessionsession of a of a
Congress) Congress)
House Committee
Monthly Monthly
Individual committees Individual committees
May include information on expenses, May include information on expenses,
—d
Available Available onlinonlined
Reports
in the House in the House
staff, travel, and detailees. staff, travel, and detailees.
House and Senate
Once per Once per ~~Congres~~seCongresse
Issued by some Issued by some
Committee Committee rules,rules, membership, membership,
— —
May be issued as May be issued as
Committee Calendars
individual committees individual committees
legislation legislation ~~referred~~ referred (may be arranged by (may be arranged by
House or Senate House or Senate
in the House and in the House and
type, and indicate actions or type, and indicate actions or
~~printsf~~
~~Senat~~efprin tsf Senatef
disposition), and lists of meetings disposition), and lists of meetings and and
documents prepared by or referreddocuments prepared by or referred to to
the committee the committee
House ~~Calenda~~rgCalendarg
Each day the House Each day the House
Prepared under the Prepared under the
Special Orders Special Orders agreed to by the House, agreed to by the House,
— —
—h
is in session, is in session, with a with a
direction of the Clerk direction of the Clerk
lists of legislation or motions lists of legislation or motions ~~eligible~~ eligible for for
final calendar each final calendar each
of the House of the House
consideration, consideration, lists of public and private lists of public and private
session session
laws enacted during that Congress, laws enacted during that Congress,
additional legislativeadditional legislative history on bil s history on bil s
reported,reported, considered, or in conference considered, or in conference
CRS-10 CRS-10

link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Other Information
Title or Description of
Frequency of
Prepared or
Rules,
(Publication Type
Publication
Publication
Maintained by
Examples of Information Included
If Any
or Link)
Senate Calendar of
Each day the Senate Each day the Senate
Prepared under the Prepared under the
Unanimous consent agreements, Unanimous consent agreements, Senate Senate
— —
—h
Business (Legislative
is in session, is in session, with a with a
direction of the direction of the
and committee and committee membership,membership, ~~lists~~ lists of of
Calendar)i
final calendar each final calendar each
Secretary of the Senate Secretary of the Senate
legislation legislation ~~eligible~~ eligible for floor for floor
session session
consideration, consideration, notices by a Senator of notices by a Senator of
an intent to object to proceeding, an intent to object to proceeding,
conference committeeconference committee information information
(including conferees),(including conferees), and the status of and the status of
appropriations bil s appropriations bil s
Senate Executive
Each day the Senate Each day the Senate
Prepared under the Prepared under the
Treaties and nominations that are Treaties and nominations that are

—h
Calendar j
is in session is in session
direction of the direction of the
reported by committees, reported by committees, “privileged” “privileged”
Secretary of the Senate Secretary of the Senate
nominations, and notices by a Senator of nominations, and notices by a Senator of
an intent to object to proceeding an intent to object to proceeding
Résumé of Congressional
Monthly, with a final Monthly, with a final
Prepared under the Prepared under the
1. Days in session 1. Days in session
— —
Published in the Published in the
Activity
edition at the end of edition at the end of
direction of the Clerk direction of the Clerk
2. Time 2. Time in session in session
Congressional ~~Record~~ Record k
each session each session of of
of the House and the of the House and the
Congress Congress
Secretary of the Senate Secretary of the Senate
3. Number of pages in the 3. Number of pages in the Congressional
and includes and includes
Record
information on both information on both
4. Number of bil s 4. Number of bil s introduced, reported, introduced, reported,
chambers chambers
passed, and enacted passed, and enacted
5. Number of votes 5. Number of votes
6. Disposition6. Disposition of Executive Nominations of Executive Nominations
U.S. House of
Continuous Continuous
Maintained by the Maintained by the
1. Text of legislation 1. Text of legislation to be considered to be considered
Required by Required by
Online since the 113th Online since the 113th
Representatives
Clerk Clerk of the of the ~~Hous~~elHousel
by the House and its committees by the House and its committees
House Rule X and Congress House Rule X and Congress
Document Repository at
2. Committee 2. Committee documents including for documents including for
XXIX and XXIX and
docs.house.gov
example: example: ~~committee~~ committee rules; hearing rules; hearing
standards standards
information; and supporting documents information; and supporting documents
adopted by the adopted by the
like like notices, statements, and adopted notices, statements, and adopted
Committee Committee on on
amendments amendments
House Admi House Adminm
Source: Compilation by CRS. For additional information,Compilation by CRS. For additional information, see CRS Report R43434, see CRS Report R43434, Policy and Legislative Research for Congressional Staff: Finding Documents, Analysis, News,
and Training,, by Sarah W.by Sarah W. Caldwel ,Caldwel , Ada S. Ada S. ~~Cornel ,~~ Cornell, and Michele L. and Michele L. ~~Mal oy~~Malloy. .
Notes:
a. Availablea. Available at https://www.congress.gov/.at https://www.congress.gov/. ~~Not al committees~~ Not all committees appear to have filed reportsappear to have filed reports by the deadline in by the deadline in al all Congresses.Congresses.
CRS-11 CRS-11

b. The House Committee b. The House Committee on Appropriations,on Appropriations, the Committeethe Committee on Ethics, and the Committeeon Ethics, and the Committee on Rules are exempt from thison Rules are exempt from this requirement. requirement.
c. For example,c. For example, U.S. Congress, House CommitteeU.S. Congress, House Committee on Oversight and Reform,on Oversight and Reform, Authorization and Oversight Plan for al all House Committees,, 116th Cong., 1st sess.,116th Cong., 1st sess., April 19, April 19,
2019, H.Rept. 116-40 (Washington: GPO, 2019). They may also be issued by individual committees 2019, H.Rept. 116-40 (Washington: GPO, 2019). They may also be issued by individual committees in prints or reports. in prints or reports.
d. The d. The Committees’ Congressional Handbook (https://cha.house.gov/handbooks/committee-handbook) states: “Each Committee (https://cha.house.gov/handbooks/committee-handbook) states: “Each Committee must submit to the Committeemust submit to the Committee on House on House
Administration, Administration, by the 18th of each month, an original and one copy of a report signed by the Committeeby the 18th of each month, an original and one copy of a report signed by the Committee Chair on the activitiesChair on the activities of the Committeeof the Committee ~~during t he~~ during the
preceding month.” It also specifiespreceding month.” It also specifies ~~items~~ items for inclusion. The reports for the 116th Congress are available at https://cha.house.gov/committee-activity/committee-for inclusion. The reports for the 116th Congress are available at https://cha.house.gov/committee-activity/committee-
reports. reports.
e. One exception is the Committee e. One exception is the Committee on Rules, which has on Rules, which has ~~traditional y~~traditionally published its published its Journal and History of Legislation each session, each session, rather than for each Congress. rather than for each Congress.
f. f.
Current practice regarding the issuance of calendars, which is not required by the House and Senate Rules, varies Current practice regarding the issuance of calendars, which is not required by the House and Senate Rules, varies across committees.across committees. Those calendars that are Those calendars that are
issued as committeeissued as committee prints are available at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/CPRT/.prints are available at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/CPRT/.
g. For additional information, g. For additional information, see CRS Report 98-437, see CRS Report 98-437, Calendars of the House of Representatives,, by Christopher M. Davis. by Christopher M. Davis.
h. Availableh. Available at https://www.senate.gov/reference/Index/Calendars_schedules.htmat https://www.senate.gov/reference/Index/Calendars_schedules.htm and https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/CCAL/. and https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/CCAL/.
i. i.
For additional information, For additional information, see CRS Report 98-429, see CRS Report 98-429, The Senate’s Calendar of Business, coordinated by Elizabeth Rybicki. , coordinated by Elizabeth Rybicki.
j. j.
For additional information, For additional information, see CRS Report 98-438, see CRS Report 98-438, The Senate’s Executive Calendar,, coordinated by Elizabeth Rybicki. coordinated by Elizabeth Rybicki.
k. Available k. Available since 1947, at https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Resumes.htmsince 1947, at https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Resumes.htm and https://history.house.gov/Institution/Resumes-of-and https://history.house.gov/Institution/Resumes-of-
Congressional-Activity/Resumes-Of-Congressional- Congressional-Activity/Resumes-Of-Congressional-~~Activit ity/.~~
Activitity/. l. l.
According to the website, content for the “Bil s According to the website, content for the “Bil s to be consideredto be considered on the House Floor” section is provided by the House majorityon the House Floor” section is provided by the House majority leader’sleader’s office and the Committee office and the Committee
on Rules. House standing and select committeeson Rules. House standing and select committees provide content for the “committeeprovide content for the “committee repository” section (https://docs.house.gov/). repository” section (https://docs.house.gov/).
m. In particular, House Rule X, clause 4(d)(1)(E), House Rule XXIX, clause 3; and Committee m. In particular, House Rule X, clause 4(d)(1)(E), House Rule XXIX, clause 3; and Committee on House Administration,on House Administration, Standards for the Electronic Posting of House and
Committee Documents & Data.

CRS-12 CRS-12

link to page 17 link to page 17
Appendix. List of Activity Reports
Table A-1. Senate Committee Activity Reports Issued Since the 111th Congress
covering activities since the 110th Congress, report covers activities of prior Congress covering activities since the 110th Congress, report covers activities of prior Congress
Committee
111th
112th
113th
114th
115th
116th
~~Armed~~ 117th Armed Services Services
S.Rept. 111-5 S.Rept. 111-5
S.Rept. 112-2 S.Rept. 112-2
S.Rept. 113-10 S.Rept. 113-10
S.Rept. 114-7 S.Rept. 114-7
S.Rept. 115-207 S.Rept. 115-207

Banking, Housing Banking, Housing ~~and~~
S.Rept. 111-17 S.Rept. 111-17
S.Rept. 112-7 S.Rept. 112-7
S.Rept. 113-2 S.Rept. 113-2

S.Rept. 117-3 and Urban Affairs Urban Affairs
~~Budge~~taBudgeta

S.Rept. 114-31 S.Rept. 114-31

Commerce, Commerce, Science,Science,

S.Rept. 113-206 S.Rept. 113-206
S.Rept. 114-50 S.Rept. 114-50
S.Rept. 115-18 S.Rept. 115-18
S.Rept. 116-24 S.Rept. 116-24
S.Rept. 117-8 and Transportation and Transportation
Energy and Natural Energy and Natural
S.Rept. 111-8 S.Rept. 111-8
S.Rept. 112-4 S.Rept. 112-4
S.Rept. 113-4 S.Rept. 113-4
S.Rept. 114-6 S.Rept. 114-6
S.Rept. 115-10 S.Rept. 115-10
S.Rept. 116-25 S.Rept. 116-25
S.Rept. 117-4 Resources Resources
Finance Finance
S.Rept. 111-13 S.Rept. 111-13
S.Rept. 112-11 S.Rept. 112-11
S.Rept. 113-5 S.Rept. 113-5
S.Rept. 114-9 S.Rept. 114-9
S.Rept. 115-25 S.Rept. 115-25
S.Rept. 116-19 S.Rept. 116-19
S.Rept. 117-9 Foreign Relations Foreign Relations
S.Rept. 111-12 S.Rept. 111-12
S.Rept. 112-10 S.Rept. 112-10
S.Rept. 113-8 S.Rept. 113-8
S.Rept. 114-178 S.Rept. 114-178
S.Rept. 115-22 S.Rept. 115-22
S.Rept. 116-23 S.Rept. 116-23
Homeland Security Homeland Security ~~and~~
S.Rept. 111-360 S.Rept. 111-360
S.Rept. 112-193 S.Rept. 112-193
S.Rept. 113-115 S.Rept. 113-115
S.Rept. 114-33 S.Rept. 114-33
S.Rept. 115-12 S.Rept. 115-12
S.Rept. 116-17 S.Rept. 116-17
S.Rept. 117-1 and Government Affairs Government Affairs
Health, Education, Health, Education,

S.Rept. 116-26 S.Rept. 116-26
Labor, and Pensions Labor, and Pensions
~~Intel igence~~Intelligence (Select) (Select)
S.Rept. 111-6 S.Rept. 111-6
S.Rept. 112-3 S.Rept. 112-3
S.Rept. 113-7 S.Rept. 113-7
S.Rept. 114-8 S.Rept. 114-8
S.Rept. 115-13 S.Rept. 115-13
S.Rept. 116-20 S.Rept. 116-20
S.Rept. 117-2 Judiciary Judiciary
S.Rept. 111-11 S.Rept. 111-11
S.Rept. 112-5 S.Rept. 112-5
S.Rept. 113-6 S.Rept. 113-6
S.Rept. 114-10 S.Rept. 114-10
S.Rept. 115-19 S.Rept. 115-19
S.Rept. 116-22 S.Rept. 116-22
S.Rept. 117-7 Rules and Rules and

S.Rept. 112-8 S.Rept. 112-8
S.Rept. 113-11 S.Rept. 113-11
S.Rept. 114-11 S.Rept. 114-11
S.Rept. 115-20 S.Rept. 115-20
S.Rept. 116-68 S.Rept. 116-68
Administration Administration
~~Smal~~ Small Business Business
S.Rept. 111-2 S.Rept. 111-2
S.Rept. 112-6 S.Rept. 112-6
S.Rept. 113-33 S.Rept. 113-33
S.Rept. 114-252 S.Rept. 114-252
S.Rept. 115-33 S.Rept. 115-33

Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs

S.Rept. 113-125 S.Rept. 113-125
S.Rept. 114-156 S.Rept. 114-156
S.Rept. 115-17 S.Rept. 115-17
S.Rept. 116-51 S.Rept. 116-51
S.Rept. 117-16 Source: CRS search of congress.govCRS search of congress.gov and https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/crpt. and https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/crpt.
CRS-13 link to page 18 link to page 18 link to page 18 Notes: While ~~Notes:~~ ~~While~~ CRS attempted to locate CRS attempted to locate al all activity reports,activity reports, searching by committeesearching by committee names and using keyword searches,names and using keyword searches, additional reportsadditional reports may exist.may exist. As stated above, As stated above,
other committeeother committee publications, including committeepublications, including committee calendars, may document the activitiescalendars, may document the activities of Senate committees.of Senate committees. ~~Committees~~ Committees for which CRS did not identify activity for which CRS did not identify activity
~~CRS-13~~

~~link to page 18 link to page 18~~
reports since the 111th Congress are not listed in the table. As stated above, reportsreports since the 111th Congress are not listed in the table. As stated above, reports covering the activities in one Congresscovering the activities in one Congress ~~are general y~~ are generally filed early infiled early in the next the next
Congress.Congress. For example, the reportsFor example, the reports filed in the 116th Congress would cover activitiesfiled in the 116th Congress would cover activities of the 115th Congress. of the 115th Congress.
a. The Senate Budget Committee,a. The Senate Budget Committee, ~~as wel~~ as well as the Senate Appropriations Committee,as the Senate Appropriations Committee, is exempt from the filing requirement. is exempt from the filing requirement.
Table A-2. House Committee Activity Reports Issued Since the 110th Congress
reports cover activities from the Congress, or portion of the Congress, in which they are filed reports cover activities from the Congress, or portion of the Congress, in which they are filed
112th 112th 112th 112th 113th 113th Committee
110th
111th
~~112th~~ (1st)
~~112th~~ (2nd)
~~112th~~ (3rd)
~~112th~~ (4th)
~~113th~~ (1st)
~~113th~~ (2nd)
114th
115th 116th
Agriculture Agriculture
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-933 110-933
111-703 111-703
112-122 112-122
112-340 112-340
112-574 112-574
112-749 112-749
113-308 113-308
113-679 113-679
114-896 114-896
115-1108 115-1108
116-714 Appropriations Appropriations
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-932 110-932
111-700 111-700
112-145 112-145
112-354 112-354
112-570 112-570
112-748 112-748
113-315 113-315
113-724 113-724
114-902 114-902
115-1121 115-1121
~~Armed~~ 116-716 Armed Services Services
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-942 110-942
111-710 111-710
112-123 112-123
112-359 112-359
112-575 112-575
112-744 112-744
113-309 113-309
113-714 113-714
114-885 114-885
115-1100 115-1100
116-709 Budget Budget
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-928 110-928
111-704 111-704
112-147 112-147
112-358 112-358
112-543 112-543
112-713 112-713
113-306 113-306
113-680 113-680
114-897 114-897
115-1124 115-1124
~~Education and Labo~~ra 116-706 Education and H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
Labora 110-923110-923
111-696 111-696
112-133 112-133
112-338 112-338
112-569 112-569
112-714 112-714
113-313 113-313
113-725 113-725
114-904 114-904
115-1123 115-1123
116-711 Energy and Energy and
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
Commerce Commerce
110-937 110-937
111-706 111-706
112-125 112-125
112-337 112-337
112-561 112-561
112-746 112-746
113-305 113-305
113-716 113-716
114-906 114-906
115-1126 115-1126
~~Ethic~~sb 116-713 Ethicsb
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.

H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-938 110-938
111-707 111-707
112-739 112-739
113-323 113-323
113-727 113-727
114-910 114-910
115-1125 115-1125
116-703 Financial Services Financial Services
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-929 110-929
111-702 111-702
112-121 112-121
112-355 112-355
112-559 112-559
112-742 112-742
113-311 113-311
113-722 113-722
114-903 114-903
115-1122 115-1122
116-718 Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
see notec 110-939110-939
111-713 111-713
112-126 112-126
112-350 112-350
112-552 112-552
112-743 112-743
113-318 113-318
113-728 113-728
114-898 114-898
115-1113 115-1113
Homeland Security Homeland Security
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-940 110-940
111-699 111-699
112-127 112-127
112-351 112-351
112-522 112-522
112-730 112-730
113-314 113-314
113-719 113-719
114-907 114-907
115-1127 115-1127
~~House~~ 116-720 House H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
Administration Administration
110-924 110-924
111-715 111-715
112-137 112-137
112-360 112-360
112-571 112-571
112-738 112-738
113-312 113-312
113-721 113-721
114-901 114-901
115-1109 115-1109
~~Intel igence~~ 116-707 CRS-14 link to page 19 link to page 19 112th 112th 112th 112th 113th 113th Committee 110th 111th (1st) (2nd) (3rd) (4th) (1st) (2nd) 114th 115th 116th Intelligence

H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
(Permanent Select) (Permanent Select)
112-134 112-134
112-353 112-353
112-560 112-560
112-733 112-733
113-310 113-310
113-717 113-717
114-881 114-881
115-1111 Judiciary H.Rept. ~~115-1111~~
~~CRS-14~~

~~link to page 18 link to page 18~~
~~Committee~~
~~110th~~
~~111th~~
~~112th (1st)~~
~~112th (2nd)~~
~~112th (3rd)~~
~~112th (4th)~~
~~113th (1st)~~
~~113th (2nd)~~
~~114th~~
~~115th~~
~~Judiciary~~
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
110-941 110-941
111-712 111-712
112-119 112-119
112-352 112-352
112-562 112-562
112-747 112-747
113-301 113-301
113-682 113-682
114-895 114-895
115-1112 115-1112
116-715 Natural Resources Natural Resources
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-925 110-925
111-701 111-701
112-132 112-132
112-346 112-346
112-572 112-572
112-752 112-752
113-307 113-307
113-720 113-720
114-886 114-886
115-1128 115-1128
116-712 Oversight and Oversight and
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
Refor Reformcmd
110-930 110-930
111-705 111-705
112-128 112-128
112-349 112-349
112-568 112-568
112-740 112-740
113-303 113-303
113-734 113-734
114-909 114-909
115-1114 115-1114
~~Rules~~ 116-710 Rules H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
110-931 110-931
111-714 111-714
112-129 112-129
112-357 112-357
112-567 112-567
112-751 112-751
113-317 113-317
113-726 113-726
114-905 114-905
115-1130 115-1130
116-722 Science, Space, and Science, Space, and
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
~~Technolog~~ydH.Rept. Technologye
110-935 110-935
111-698 111-698
112-112 112-112
112-347 112-347
112-555 112-555
112-745 112-745
113-302 113-302
113-681 113-681
114-884 114-884
115-1080 115-1080
~~Smal~~ 116-719 Small Business Business
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-926 110-926
111-695 111-695
112-146 112-146
112-339 112-339
112-554 112-554
112-729 112-729
113-304 113-304
113-684 113-684
114-880 114-880
115-1079 115-1079
~~Transportation and~~ 116-702 Transportation and H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
Infrastructure Infrastructure
110-936 110-936
111-711 111-711
112-124 112-124
112-348 112-348
112-573 112-573
112-718 112-718
113-316 113-316
113-718 113-718
114-899 114-899
115-1099 115-1099
116-717 Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Affairs
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-927 110-927
111-697 111-697
112-120 112-120
112-341 112-341
112-547 112-547
112-706 112-706
113-300 113-300
113-659 113-659
114-879 114-879
115-1120 115-1120
116-698 Ways and Means Ways and Means
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H.Rept. H.Rept.
H H.Rept. H.Rept. .Rept.
110-934 110-934
111-708 111-708
112-130 112-130
112-356 112-356
112-556 112-556
112-750 112-750
113-319 113-319
113-723 113-723
114-887 114-887
115-1115 115-1115
116-721 Select, Climate H.Rept. Crisis 116-708 Source: CRS search of congress.govCRS search of congress.gov ~~and~~, https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/crpt https://www.govinfo.gov/app/col ection/crpt, and committee websites. .
Notes: WhileWhile CRS attempted to locate CRS attempted to locate al all activity reports,activity reports, searching by committeesearching by committee names and using keyword searches,names and using keyword searches, additional reportsadditional reports may exist.may exist. As stated above, As stated above,
~~general y,~~ generally, since 1970, one report has been requiredsince 1970, one report has been required each Congress.each Congress. The Rules of the House adopted for the 112th and 113th Congresses experimentedThe Rules of the House adopted for the 112th and 113th Congresses experimented with increasing with increasing
the frequency of these reports, before revertingthe frequency of these reports, before reverting to the prior practice of one report per Congress in the 114th Congress (H.Res.to the prior practice of one report per Congress in the 114th Congress (H.Res. 5, January 5, 2011, §2(e)(13); H.Res. 5, 5, January 5, 2011, §2(e)(13); H.Res. 5,
January 3, 2013, §2(a); H.Res.January 3, 2013, §2(a); H.Res. 5, January 6, 2015, §2(a)(4).) 5, January 6, 2015, §2(a)(4).)
a. Formerlya. Formerly named the Committeenamed the Committee on Education and the Workforceon Education and the Workforce during the 112th-115th Congresses. during the 112th-115th Congresses.
b. Formerlyb. Formerly named the Committeenamed the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct during the 110th and 111th Congresses. on Standards of Official Conduct during the 110th and 111th Congresses.
c. c. ~~Formerly named the Committee~~ See an unnumbered version at https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/committee-activity-report. CRS-15 d. Formerly named the Committee on Oversight and Government Reformon Oversight and Government Reform during the 110th-115th Congresses. during the 110th-115th Congresses.
de. Formerly. Formerly named the Committeenamed the Committee on Science and Technology during the 110th and 111th Congresses. on Science and Technology during the 110th and 111th Congresses.

CRS- CRS-1516

Guide to Committee Activity Reports: Purpose, Rules, and Contents

Author Information

Ida A. Brudnick Ida A. Brudnick

Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress

Acknowledgments
Jennifer E. Manning, Information Research Specialist, and Lara Chausow, formerly a CRS Research Jennifer E. Manning, Information Research Specialist, and Lara Chausow, formerly a CRS Research
Assistant, contributed to the compilation of information for this report. Assistant, contributed to the compilation of information for this report.

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should ~~n ot~~not be relied upon for purposes other be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material. copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R45104 R45104 · VERSION 57 · UPDATED
1617