Rules Governing House Committee and
May 5, 2021
Subcommittee Assignment Procedures
Michael Greene
Members of the House are assigned to serve on committees at the start of every Congress. Most
Analyst on Congress and
assignments involve a three-step process involving the party caucuses and action on the House
the Legislative Process
floor. First, a Member is nominated to committee assignments by their party’s steering

committee. Next, the full party caucus or conference votes to approve the steering committee’s
nominations. Finally, a simple resolution is introduced and agreed to on th e House floor that

formally elects Members to their party-approved committee assignments. These resolutions, by
longstanding practice, have been agreed to without objection as the party’s mutually recognize each other’s right to determine
committee assignments for their own Members.
Service on standing and non-standing committees in the House is shaped by both the Rules of the House and rules adopted by
the political parties . “Standing committees” are permanently established under House Rule X, as opposed t o “non-standing”
committees (e.g., select or joint committees) which are created by resolution or law, and are often temporary in nature. The
Rules of the House limit Members’ service to no more than two standing committees and not more than four subcommit tees
thereon. However, House Rules also allow for these restrictions to be waived upon recommendation by either party caucus.
Both the Republican Conference and the Democratic Caucus have further rules limiting the type and number of committees
Members may serve on. In general, Members of both parties are limited to one committee assignment when serving on an
“exclusive” committee. Otherwise, Members generally may receive two “non-exclusive” committee assignments. Exceptions
to these limitations can be granted by the party caucuses as deemed warranted. In addition, under both parties’ rules,
Members are generally limited to chairing one committee or subcommittee, with some exceptions. The Republican
Conference also limits chairs (and ranking members) to serving for not more than three consecutive terms.
Both the Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference task steering committees with recommending most committee
assignments for their respective memberships. The particulars of this nominating process varies between the two parties, with
each party specifying different factors in the consideration of making assignments. Still other assignments are recommended
directly by the party leader (whether the Speaker when in the majority, or minority leader when in the minority)—including
to all non-standing committees. In any case, recommendations for assignment to standing committees must also be approved
by a majority of the full party caucus before final action can be taken on the House floor.
Just as the House elects its Members to committee assignments, so too do committees elect their members to serve on
subcommittees. In general, the Republican Conference vests greater authority in committee chairs in determining
subcommittee assignments. The Democratic Caucus has more formal procedures that all of its committees must follow in
making subcommittee assignments. Unlike committee assignments, subcommittee assignments are n ot approved on the
House floor.
Congressional Research Service

link to page 22 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Introduction
At the outset of every two-year Congress, the House of Representatives assigns Members to serve
on the chamber’s various committees.1 Service on House committees can provide Members with
opportunities to develop expertise in specific policy areas, contribute to marking up legislation
that wil be considered on the House floor, and participate in oversight hearings on topics of
interest to the American public. The House is responsible for electing Members to committees
and does so through the adoption of simple resolutions (H.Res.). However, this step represents the
culmination of processes internal to each party caucus that began at the end of the previous
Congress. Both the House Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference appoint Members to
steering committees, composed of party leaders and elected Members, which are responsible for
nominating party colleagues for assignment to committees. The steering committee’s nominations
are then voted on by the full membership of the relevant party caucus before being submitted to
the House for approval by resolution. Tables listing the composition of each party’s steering
committee in the 117th Congress (2021-2022) can be found in Appendix A.
This report provides an examination of the committee assignment process for both standing and
non-standing committees and their subcommittees. The term “standing committees” refers to
committees permanently established under House Rule X that have legislative and oversight
jurisdiction over a number of stated subject areas. Non-standing committees (e.g., select or joint
committees) are created by resolution or law, typical y to investigate certain issues or events and
may or may not have legislative jurisdiction.2
The structure of this report is intended to al ow readers to jump directly to information about
different types of committee assignments and the party procedures that are of immediate interest
to them. The report begins with an examination of requirements and limitations under House
rules related to committee assignment. It then discusses relevant rules adopted by the Democratic
Caucus and Republican Conference and lays out party procedures for assigning Members to, and
leadership on, standing committees, subcommittees, and non-standing committees. For the 117th
Congress, Democratic Caucus Rules can be found at https://www.dems.gov/rules-of-the-
democratic-caucus, and Republican Conference Rules can be found at
https://www.gop.gov/conference-rules-of-the-117th-congress/.
The Role of Adopted Rules versus Unwritten Practice
This report primarily limits its discussion to House rules, Republican Conference rules, and
Democratic Caucus rules. While these rules provide some formal parameters that the parties may
use in making committee assignments, both parties also have long-standing practices that further
shape the process. Given that party decisions related to committee assignments occur outside of
public view, this report cannot authoritatively or comprehensively account for these practices or
how they may vary from procedures defined under the rules. In any case, the formal House and

1 While most committee assignments occur at the beginning of a Congress, the House continues to periodically adopt
assignment resolutions throughout the session. T hroughout a Congress, new assignments might need to be made for a
number of reasons; for example, due to special elections, a Member switching parties, or Members changing
committees due to a retirement. In the 116th Congress (2019-2020), the House agreed to over 30 such appointing
resolutions, including during the 2nd session.
2 More discussion on the types of committ ees in the House (and Senate) can be found in CRS Report 98-241,
Com m ittee Types and Roles, by Valerie Heitshusen.

Congressional Research Service

1

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

party rules remain paramount as they serve to inform Members of their rights in the process, and
they might be relied upon in complicated or contentious situations.
House Rules and Practices Relating to Standing
Committee Assignments
Under its rules, the House is required to elect the standing committees within seven calendar days
after the start of a new Congress.3 While the preliminary assignment of Members to committees
typical y occurs within that time period, additional assignments are routinely made in the weeks
that follow. Elections to committees formal y occur through the adoption of simple resolutions,
offered by Members on behalf of their respective party caucuses, assigning Members from the
majority or minority parties.4 While technical y debatable and amendable, by long-standing
practice, these resolutions have been agreed to by unanimous consent in tacit recognition by the
parties of each other’s right to determine committee assignments for their own Members.5
House Rule X, clause 5(b)(2)(A), limits Members to service on two standing committees and not
more than four subcommittees, thereon, at the same time. However, the rule further provides that
these limitations can be waived by recommendation of either the Democratic Caucus or
Republican Conference for their respective membership.6 In other words, Members may serve on
more than two committees or four subcommittees if so approved by their party. Such occasional
exceptions are commonly referred to as “waivers.”
In addition to limits on committee and subcommittee service general y, House rules also dictate
the composition of membership on the Committees on the Budget and on Ethics. Membership on
the Committee on the Budget is comprised of:
 Five Members from the Committee on Appropriations;
 Five Members from the Committee on Ways and Means;
 One Member from the Committee on Rules;
 One Member designated by majority party leadership; and
 One Member designated by minority party leadership.7
The Committee on Ethics consists of ten Members, with membership equal y divided
between the parties. House Rule X, clause 5(a)(3)(B) further limits Members from

3 House Rule X, clause 5(a)(1).
4 Such resolutions are privileged for consideration under House Rule X, clause 5(a)(1), if offered at the direction of the
Republican Conference or Democratic Caucus—meaning that they have priority over the routine daily order of
business. For further reading on the concept of privilege in the House, see CRS Report 98-315, Privileged Business on
the House Floor, by James V. Saturno.
5 T he content of these resolutions list names of individuals appointed on behalf of the majority and minority parties to
specified committees and their relative order of seniority on the committee. T he following examples from the 117 th
Congress include the appointment of committee chairs (H.Res. 9), Members from the majority party (H.Res. 62), and
Members from the minority party (H.Res. 63).
6 T his limitation also does not apply in certain specific circumstances, including ex officio service by chairs and
ranking minority members on their standing committee’s subcommittees, and Member service on an Ethics Committee
investigative subcommittee.
7 House Rule X, clause 5(a)(2). While the rule sets the composition described above, it is not limited to only those
Members. T he rule also provides for additional membership of those “who are members of other standing committees.”
During the 117th Congress (2021-2022), the Committee on the Budget had 36 Members.
Congressional Research Service

2

link to page 7 link to page 8 link to page 8 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

serving on the committee for not more than three Congresses within a period of five
consecutive Congresses.8
Size and Ratios of Committees
Other than the considerations discussed above, House rules are silent on the size of standing
committees and do not prescribe a particular ratio of majority to minority Members.9 As a result,
leadership from both parties negotiate these parameters following the outcome of an election and
prior to the start of the next Congress.10 The size of committees may be adjusted to account for
Member interest and, more importantly, provide for party ratios that, in the aggregate, reflect the
ratio of the parties in the House at large.11 In turn, these decisions about ratios provide the party
caucuses with the information they need to make assignments for their respective memberships.12
Discussion of the parties’ processes for assigning Members follows in the sections below.
Party Rules and Practices Relating to Standing
Committee Assignments
In addition to the limits placed on committee assignments by House rules, both the Democratic
Caucus and Republican Conference also observe further restrictions on committee service. Both
Democrats and Republicans categorize committees as “exclusive” or “non-exclusive” in their
respective party rules or practices. As the name might suggest, Members assigned to an exclusive
committee general y receive no other committee assignments (though waivers are sometimes
given by the parties on a case-by-case basis). Committees are designated as exclusive in
recognition of their broad legislative jurisdictions and substantial workloads. Assignments to
exclusive committees are often sought by Members because they can provide the opportunity to
more frequently work on major legislative and oversight initiatives over the course of a Congress.
Both the Republican and Democratic parties distinguish the same committees as exclusive or
non-exclusive, as listed in Table 1, below. However, while the Democratic Caucus formal y
establishes exclusive committees in their party rules, the Republican Conference does not—
instead, treating committee exclusivity as a longstanding informal practice.
Table 1. Party Designation of Exclusive and Non-exclusive Committees
Exclusive Committees
Appropriations
Energy and Commercea
Ways and Means
Rules
Financial Servicesb

Non-Exclusive Committees

8 T he rule specifies that service on the committee for a portion of a Congress does not count towards the three Congress
limit, and Members may serve for a fourth or fifth Congress as chair or ranking member.
9 House rules designated the size of standing committees until the adoption of the Committee Reform Amendments of
1974, which went into effect at the start of the 94 th Congress (1975-1976).
10 2 U.S.C. §29a.
11 In particular, Democratic Caucus Rules 16(A) and (B) direct that the party should attempt to negotiate committee
ratios that are “at least as representative” as the ratio of Democrats to Republicans in the House. Republican
Conference Rules do not contain any equivalent requirement.
12 More information on historical committee ratios can be found in CRS Report R40478, House Committee Party
Ratios: 98th-117th Congresses, by Sarah J. Eckman.
Congressional Research Service

3

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Agriculture
Homeland Security
Science, Space, and Technology
Armed Services
House Administration
Smal Business
Budget
Judiciary
Transportation and Infrastructure
Education and Labor
Natural Resources
Veterans’ Affairs
Foreign Affairs
Oversight and Reform

Source: Based on Democratic Caucus Rule 17 and Republican Conference practices.
a. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is exclusive for Members of the Democratic Party serving on the
committee for the first time during the 104th Congress (1995-1996) or later. It is not treated as an exclusive
assignment for Democratic Members with service on the committee prior to the 104th Congress.
b. The Committee on Financial Services is exclusive for Members of the Democratic Party serving on the
committee for the first time during the 109th Congress (2005-2006) or later. It is not treated as an exclusive
assignment for Democratic Members with service on the committee prior to the 109th Congress.
Democratic Caucus Rules
Committee assignments within the House Democratic Caucus general y follow a two-step
process. First, Members are nominated to service on a committee by either the Steering and
Policy Committee or by the party’s leader (the Speaker of the House when Democrats are in the
majority or the Democratic leader when the party is in the minority). Nominations are then
subject to approval by majority vote of the full Democratic Caucus before being formal y
submitted to the House for approval by resolution.
The Steering and Policy Committee is responsible for nominating membership for al standing
committees, except for the Committee on Rules and the Committee on House Administration,
whose membership is directly nominated by the party leader. Members may also nominate
themselves for an assignment to these standing committees by submitting written notice, co-
signed by at least 50 percent of their state’s Democratic delegation, to the Steering and Policy
Committee for consideration, although this is rare.
Pursuant to House Democratic Caucus rules, the Steering and Policy Committee accounts for
multiple factors when considering committee assignments. Nominations by the committee are not
required to follow seniority and should not “discriminate” based on Members’ prior work
experience.13 Instead, Caucus Rule 19(B)(2) directs Steering and Policy to consider—
“merit, length of service on the committee, degree of commitment to the Democratic
agenda, and the diversity of the Caucus, including appropriate representation of the
Caucus’ ideological and regional diversity, in making nominations for committee
assignments.”
Nominations to the Committees on Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Budget, are governed
by slightly different procedures. Pursuant to Caucus Rule 19(D), Members on Appropriations and
Ways and Means are automatical y re-nominated to those committees by the Steering and Policy
Committee each Congress. Vacancies in either committee are nominated by the Steering and
Policy Committee in the same fashion as in any other standing committee.
Nominations to the Budget Committee are governed by House Rule X, clause 5(a)(2), which, as
noted, requires Members be drawn from the Committees on Appropriations, Ways and Means,
and Rules. The Steering and Policy Committee nominates Members to al seats on the Budget
Committee, except one Member appointed by the party leader, and the chair (or ranking minority
member), who is directly appointed by the full Democratic Caucus. Any Member may also

13 Democratic Caucus Rule 19(B)(4).
Congressional Research Service

4

link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 9 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

nominate themselves to a seat on Appropriations, Ways and Means, or Budget, by submitting a
written notice co-signed by five additional Democratic Members to the Democratic Caucus Chair
and Vice Chair by close of business on the day prior to committee elections.
Once nominations have been submitted to the Democratic Caucus, assignments are approved one
committee at a time by a majority of those present and voting. A secret bal ot vote may be held on
the assignment of any individual Member if demanded by 10 or more Members of the Caucus. In
such cases, Caucus rules provide for 30 minutes of debate, equal y divided between proponents
and opponents of the candidate. Following debate, if any nominee is rejected, the full list of
committee nominees is returned to the Steering and Policy Committee to al ow for new
nominations to replace rejected Members (or, in the case of the Committees on Rules and House
Administration, new nominations are submitted by the party leader).
Table 2. Committee Nominations within the Democratic Caucus
Steering and Policy
Party Leader
Committee
Committee Nominates
Nominates
Agriculture
Chair & Members

Appropriations
Chair & Membersa

Armed Services
Chair & Members

Budget
Al but one Memberb,c
One Member
Education and Labor
Chair & Members

Energy and Commerce
Chair & Members

Ethics
Chair & Members

Financial Services
Chair & Members

Foreign Affairs
Chair & Members

Homeland Security
Chair & Members

House Administration

Chair & Members
Judiciary
Chair & Members

Natural Resources
Chair & Members

Oversight and Reform
Chair & Members

Rules

Chair & Members
Science, Space, and Technology
Chair & Members

Smal Business
Chair & Members

Transportation and Infrastructure
Chair & Members

Veterans’ Affairs
Chair & Members

Ways and Means
Chair & Membersa

Special, select, & other committees

Chair & Members
Source: CRS analysis of House Democratic Caucus Rules 19 and 21.
Notes: Any Democratic Member may petition for nomination to any committee assignment (except to Rules or
House Administration) upon written request co-signed by at least 50 percent of the Member’s state Democratic
delegation and submitted to the Steering and Policy Committee.
a. The Steering and Policy Committee is required under Caucus Rules to nominate Members who served on
the committee in the previous Congress, but is otherwise responsible for making nominations to any
Congressional Research Service

5

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

vacancies. Members may also petition for a nomination to the committee by submitting a written notice co-
signed by five additional Democrat Members to the Democratic Caucus Chair and Vice Chair by close of
business on the day prior to committee elections.
b. Democratic Caucus Rules direct the Steering and Policy Committee to make nominations to the Budget
Committee in accordance with House Rule X, clause 5(a)(2), which requires Members be drawn from the
Committees on Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Rules.
c. The chair of the Budget Committee is appointed directly by majority vote of the Democratic Caucus,
pursuant to Democratic Caucus Rule 20(A)(1)(a).
Limitations
Democratic Caucus rules establish certain limitations on Member service on committees in
addition to those provided for in the Rules of the House. However, in practice, Members may
receive waivers or be given temporary committee assignments that would otherwise not be
al owed under these limitations. Absent any waiver or temporary assignment, the following
restrictions on committee service apply to Democratic Members:
 Assignment to an exclusive committee precludes any further committee
assignments, other than to the Committees on Budget and House
Administration.
 Members may not serve on more than two committees with legislative
jurisdiction. This rule does not apply to the Committees on House
Administration or Ethics.
 Democratic Caucus rules reiterate House Rule X, clause 5(a)(3)(B), limiting
service on the Ethics Committee to not more than three Congresses within a
period of five successive Congresses.
 Members assigned to the Permanent Select Committee on Intel igence may only
be given one additional standing committee assignment. While serving on
Intel igence, Members may take a leave of absence from their other prior
assignments to preserve their committee seniority upon their return.
Temporary Assignments
The Steering and Policy Committee is empowered by Caucus rules to determine, on a
committee by committee basis, whether or not to fil any remaining vacancies after
Democratic Members have received their preliminary assignments. Any Members’
assignments to these additional vacancies are designated as temporary and come with
additional restrictions. Members on temporary assignment do not accrue seniority on the
committee while serving in that capacity and their appointment is considered expired at
the end of a Congress, that is, they do not have the automatic right to return to the
committee in the subsequent Congress. Temporarily assigned Members also general y
cannot bid on subcommittee assignments except if vacancies remain after al other
committee members have declined the seat.
Waivers
When deemed necessary, the Democratic Caucus may grant a waiver to al ow a Member
to serve on a committee in a way that would otherwise violate Caucus rules. Waivers are
recommended by the Committee on Caucus Procedures—an entity appointed by the
Caucus Chair—and voted on by the full Caucus in a secret bal ot vote. Records of
waivers regarding committee assignments are maintained by the Steering and Policy
Congressional Research Service

6

link to page 12 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Committee and, pursuant to Caucus Rule 10(B)(3), are available for review by al
Members of the Caucus.
Republican Conference Rules
Within the House Republican Conference, the Steering Committee is responsible for nominating
party Members to most standing committee assignments.14 The party’s leader (the Speaker or the
Republican leader depending on whether or not the party is in the majority) makes nominations to
the Committees on Rules, House Administration, and for one assignment to the Committee on the
Budget. Al nominations to committee assignments are then subject to approval by majority vote
of the Republican Conference. By default, any contested election is conducted by secret bal ot
and proxy votes are prohibited. However, any vote by the Republican Conference may be
conducted by secret bal ot if demanded by a Member and seconded by five additional Republican
Representatives. If any nomination fails to secure majority support of the Conference, then the
nominating body is directed to submit a new recommendation for consideration. While
Republican Conference rules do not specify a method by which Members can directly nominate
themselves for a committee assignment, the rules do not prohibit that possibility either.15
Vacancies in committees are fil ed by the entity or individual responsible for making nominations
at the start of the Congress. Vacancies fil ed by the Steering Committee are submitted directly to
the House and do not require approval by the Republican Conference. The Republican leader
nominates replacements for vacancies at the Committees on Rules, House Administration, and
one seat on Budget, which must then be approved by a majority of the Republican Conference.
Table 3. Committee Nominations within the Republican Conference
Steering and Policy
Party Leader
Committee Assignment
Committee Nominates
Nominates
Agriculture
Chair & Members

Appropriations
Chair & Members

Armed Services
Chair & Members

Budget
Chair & al but one Membera
One Member
Education and Labor
Chair & Members

Energy and Commerce
Chair & Members

Ethics
Chair & Members

Financial Services
Chair & Members

Foreign Affairs
Chair & Members

Homeland Security
Chair & Members

14 While this report discusses assignment procedures according to the Republican Conference’s rules, readers can find
additional discussion of the bidding process by Members in a publicly available copy of the Republican Member book
for the 112th Congress (2011-2012). See, Hit the Ground Running Mem ber Book, 112th Congress ed., pp. 38-39, at
https://www.governmentattic.org/4docs/HitGroundRunning2011.pdf .
15 By contrast, nominations for committee chairs are only in order if made by recommendation of the Steering
Committee pursuant to Republican Conference Rule 14(a)(1). Because the rules specify what nominations are in order
for chairs and are silent in regard to other committee assignments, it appear s possible that Republican Members may be
able to nominate themselves for consideration by the full Conference, notwithstanding the recommendations of the
Steering Committee.
Congressional Research Service

7

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Steering and Policy
Party Leader
Committee Assignment
Committee Nominates
Nominates
House Administration

Chair & Members
Judiciary
Chair & Members

Natural Resources
Chair & Members

Oversight and Reform
Chair & Members

Rules

Chair & Members
Science, Space, and Technology
Chair & Members

Smal Business
Chair & Members

Transportation and Infrastructure
Chair & Members

Veterans’ Affairs
Chair & Members

Ways and Means
Chair & Members

Special, select, & other Committees

Chair & Members
Source: CRS analysis of House Republican Conference Rule 12.
a. House Rule X, clause 5(a)(2), further requires that Members on the Budget Committee be appointed from
Members on the Committees on Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Rules.
Limitations
There are no explicit limitations codified in the Republican Conference’s rules regarding
Members’ service on committees, although limitations set by the rules of the House stil apply.
However, as previously discussed, the Conference does observe a longstanding practice
designating certain committees as exclusive. General y, Republican Members appointed to an
exclusive committee do not receive any other assignments to standing committees. However,
Republican Conference Rule 12(b)(3) al ows Members assigned to the Committee on Rules to be
“on leave with seniority” from a standing committee on which they previously served. This status
al ows a Member to retain their seniority when they return to Membership on said committee,
after concluding their service on the Rules Committee.
Committee Chair Appointments
Democratic Caucus Rules
The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee is responsible for nominating chairs (or ranking
members when in the minority) to al standing committees except for the Committees on Rules,
House Administration, and the Budget. The Democratic leader nominates chairs to the
Committees on Rules and House Administration, while the Democratic Caucus directly elects the
chair of the Committee on the Budget. As when considering committee assignments, the Steering
and Policy Committee is directed by caucus rules to factor in merit, committee service,
commitment to the Democratic agenda, and overal diversity of the Caucus, while not having to
adhere to seniority in making nominations.
The election of committee chairs by the full Democratic Caucus is subject to different criteria
depending on whether a nominee would be continuing as chair from a prior Congress or the
position is vacant. In cases where the candidate nominated by the Steering and Policy Committee
Congressional Research Service

8

link to page 13 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

or Democratic leader served as chair in the previous Congress, other candidates must meet either
of the following requirements in order to also be considered during the Caucus vote:
 During consideration of chair candidates by the Steering and Policy committee,
at least 14 Members voted for someone other than the prevailing nominee; or
 50 or more Members submit a written request that additional nominations be
considered by the Democratic Caucus.
If the Caucus is fil ing a vacant committee chair, these extra requirements do not need to be met
by a Member in order to contest the Steering and Policy Committee’s nominee. Members may
nominate themselves or any other Member of the Caucus to be chair as long as the candidate
serves on the committee in question.16 However, as described above, Democratic Caucus rules
make it more difficult to chal enge a chair seeking to continue in that role from one Congress to
the next.
Al votes on committee chairs taken by the Steering and Policy Committee and the Democratic
Conference are conducted by secret bal ot, unless a majority votes to adopt a motion to waive the
requirement.17 Debate is limited to 60 minutes, equal y divided between proponents and
opponents for each nominee, but may be extended by majority vote of the Caucus.18 If more than
two candidates are under consideration for a chair position, the Member receiving the least
amount of votes is eliminated after each round of voting until one nominee receives majority
support.19
Limitations
Committee chairs are further limited on any additional committee assignments. In general,
Members are limited to serving as a chair for only one committee, though the Caucus may waive
the rule in regards to non-standing committees.20 Chairs are also general y prohibited from
serving as the chair of a subcommittee or as a member of the Committee on Ethics.21 Lastly,
committee chairs for certain committees may not receive any additional committee assignments,
as detailed in Table 4.
Table 4. Limitations on Committee Assignments for Standing Committee Chairs
House Democratic Caucus Rule 22(A)(1)
Committee Chairs limited to one committee
Committee Chairs that may receive an additional
assignment
committee assignment
Appropriations
Homeland Security
Agriculture
Oversight and Reform

16 T his requirement does not apply to the Committee on the Budget because the chair is elected by the caucus before
any other assignments to the committee are made.
17 Democratic Caucus Rule 21(A)(4).
18 Democratic Caucus Rule 21(C).
19 Democratic Caucus Rule 3(C) further provides that if multiple candidates are tied in receiving the fewest votes in a
round, neither is eliminated. If those candidates tie for the least amount of votes in a second round of voting, they are
both eliminated from consideration moving into the next vote.
20 In addition, Democratic Caucus Rule 22(C) makes exceptions that allow for specific concurrent chair assignments.
T he Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means may also concurrently serve as chair of the Joint Committee on
T axation. The House Administration Chair may also concurrently serve as the chair of the Jo int Committee on Print
and the Joint Committee on the Library.
21 T he chairs for the Committees on Appropriations, Ethics, House Administration, and joint committees may also
serve as subcommittee chairs (Democratic Caucus Rule 22(D)(1).
Congressional Research Service

9

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Committee Chairs limited to one committee
Committee Chairs that may receive an additional
assignment
committee assignment
Armed Services
Judiciary
Budget
Science, Space, and Technology
Education
Rules
Foreign Affairs
Smal Business
Energy and Commerce
Transportation and
House Administration
Veterans’ Affairs
Infrastructure
Ethics
Ways and Means
Natural Resources

Financial Services

Source: CRS analysis of House Democratic Caucus rules and House rules.
Republican Conference Rules
As with Member committee assignments, the Steering Committee and Republican leader are
responsible for nominating committee chairs (or ranking members when in the minority), who are
then subject to approval by majority vote of the Republican Conference. The Steering Committee
exclusively nominates chairs to al standing committees except Rules and House Administration
(both of which are nominated by the Speaker or Republican Party leader). In considering its
recommendations, the Steering Committee interviews every Member interested in becoming a
committee chair, including those Members who held a chair in the previous Congress and desire
to continue serving in that capacity. The Steering Committee is not ultimately bound to nominate
Members based on their committee seniority. Any chair elections that are contested by multiple
candidates are held by secret bal ot.22
While Republican Members may express interest to the Steering Committee or party leader in
consideration as a committee chair, Members may not nominate themselves or others for the final
vote conducted by the full Republican Conference. This vote may be held by secret bal ot on
demand of a Member with support from five other Members.23 For elections with more than two
candidates where no Member receives a majority of the vote, the candidate receiving the least
amount of votes is eliminated during each round of bal oting. If any chair nominee fails to secure
the support of a majority of the Republican Conference, the entity responsible for the nomination
shal be directed to submit a new name for consideration. Any vacancies that arise are to be fil ed
in the matter they were initial y appointed and, “wherever possible” within 30 calendar days
during which Congress is in session.24
Limitations
Conference Rule 15 limits Republican Members to serving as chair of only one standing
committee at a time. This limitation does not apply to the Committees on Ethics or House
Administration, nor any joint, select, or special committees. The rule may also be waived by
approval of both the Steering Committee and the Republican Conference. In addition to these
limitations, Republican Members may not be elected to serve as a committee chair for more than
three terms (six years).

22 Republican Conference Rule 4.
23 Republican Conference Rule 8.
24 Republican Conference Rule 16 establishes the 30-session-day window for filling a vacancy and directs that such
vacancy be filled under the procedures defined in Conference Rule 14, as discussed in this section.
Congressional Research Service

10

link to page 16 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Committee Vice Chair Designation
The chair of each standing committee designates a vice chair for purposes of presiding over
meetings when the chair is absent, pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 2(d). Both the Republican
Conference and Democratic Caucus provide more specific procedures, requirements, and
limitations when designating this position. The Democratic Caucus also provides for the
designation of a vice ranking member when the party is in the minority. The Republican
Conference does not provide for an equivalent position in its rules.
Republican Conference Rules give the party’s Steering Committee the optional right to designate
committee vice chairs and that such appointments may be made without regard to seniority. If the
Steering Committee opts not to designate a vice chair for a committee, the responsibility fal s to
the committee chair under House Rules. Unlike other committee leadership positions within the
Republican Conference, there is no stated term limit on service as a vice chair.
Within the Democratic Caucus, the Democrats on the committee are responsible for electing vice
chairs when in the majority and vice ranking members when in the minority. As with most other
elected positions with the caucus, when there is more than one candidate for the position the vote
is held by secret bal ot unless waived.25 To be eligible to serve in either role, Members must have
been on the committee for less than five terms and may only hold the position for one term. These
restrictions reflect the Caucus’s intent that the positions serve as “an opportunity for a junior
Member to gain insight and experience into the workings of the committee.”26
Subcommittee Assignments
Just as the House divides its workload amongst its committees, so in turn do most committees
have subcommittees that further specialize in aspects of their parent entity’s jurisdiction. Standing
committees are permitted to establish five subcommittees (Rule X, clause 5(d)(1)). A sixth
subcommittee is permitted on any committee choosing to have a dedicated committee on
oversight (Rule X, clause 5(d)(2)(A)).27 Six House standing committees are specifical y permitted
a higher number of subcommittees, as listed in Table 5. The Committee on Appropriations has
the largest al otment of permitted subcommittees, primarily to accommodate a structure of one
subcommittee dedicated to each of the 12 regular appropriations bil s.28

25 Under Democratic Caucus Rule 3(C), a candidate must receive majority support from the committee caucus to be
elected. If more than two candidates are under consideration, the Member receiving the least amount of votes is
eliminated each round until one nominee receives majority support. If multiple candidates are tied in receiving the
fewest votes in a round, neither is eliminated. If those candidates tie for the least amount of votes in a second round of
voting, they are both eliminated from consideration moving into the next vote.
26 Democratic Caucus Rule 21(D).
27 House Rule X, clause 2(b)(2) requires that each standing committee (except the Committee on Appropriations) with
more than 20 Members must either establish an oversight subcommittee or assign ov ersight duties to its subcommittees
in their respective jurisdictions. T he allowance of a sixth oversight committee under House Rule X, clause 5(d)(A),
effectively protects committees with larger membership from otherwise losing a subcommittee to the requi rements of
clause 2(b)(2).
28 See CRS Report RL31572, Appropriations Subcommittee Structure: History of Changes from 1920 to 2021 , by
James V. Saturno.
Congressional Research Service

11

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Table 5. Number of Subcommittees Permitted for the 117th Congress
beyond the maximum five set by House Rule X, clause 5(d)(1)
Number of Subcommittees
Committee
Permitted
Appropriations
13
Armed Services
7
Foreign Affairs
7
Oversight and Reform
7
Transportation
6
Agriculture
6
Source: House Rule X, clause 5(d)(1) and H.Res. 8, Section 3(n).
The size and ratio of party Membership on each subcommittee are controlled by the majority
party of its parent committee. Ratios on subcommittees usual y reflect the ratio of parties on the
full committee, resulting in majority party control of each subcommittee as wel . While
Republican Conference Rules are silent on these aspects of subcommittees, Democratic Caucus
rules prescribe further parameters. Specifical y, Democratic Caucus Rule 27 limits individual
subcommittee Membership to no more than 60% of the full committee and requires that
subcommittee ratios “shal be no less favorable to the Democratic Party than the ratio of the full
committee.”
Subcommittee Chair Appointments
The formal selection process for subcommittee chairs varies between the two parties, with the
Democratic Caucus establishing a bidding process for each committee and the Republican
Conference empowering committee chairs to determine selection procedures. In practice, both
parties look to seniority as the primary factor in the appointment of subcommittee chairs, though
candidates are also subject to additional votes of approval within their respective party
organizations.
Democratic Caucus Rules
Within the Democratic Caucus, Members of each committee bid for subcommittee chairs in the
order of their seniority on the full committee. (The Committee on Appropriations may
alternatively use subcommittee seniority as the order for bidding amongst its membership.) The
full committee chair does not bid to be a subcommittee chair. The interested candidate must then
be approved by a majority of their fel ow Democratic committee Members present and voting
(i.e., the committee caucus), in a vote, technical y directed to be taken by secret bal ot. For the
majority of subcommittee chair candidates, approval by the committee caucus marks the end of
the process. However, under certain conditions, subcommittee chair candidates are further subject
to additional approval votes by the Steering and Policy Committee and the full Democratic
Caucus.
Once subcommittee chairs have been approved by the committee caucus, they are submitted to
the Steering and Policy Committee for review (with the exception of the Committee on Ethics).
Per Democratic Caucus rules, the Steering and Policy Committee must vote to approve
subcommittee chair nominees meeting certain criteria:
Congressional Research Service

12

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

 Subcommittee chairs nominated within exclusive committees (except the Committee on
Rules); or
 Subcommittee chairs nominated to any non-exclusive committee, for which the nominee
is also a Member of an exclusive committee (except the Committee on Rules).
In considering these nominations, the Steering and Policy Committee is directed to “consider al
relevant factors” of a nominee, “including merit, length of service on the committee, degree of
commitment to the Democratic agenda, and the diversity of the caucus.”29 Any debate on the
nominee is limited to 60 minutes, equal y divided by proponents and opponents, but can be
extended by vote of the full Democratic Caucus. At the conclusion of debate, the vote is taken by
secret bal ot.30
The full Democratic Caucus may also be required to approve subcommittee chair nominees.
Scenarios where such a vote is applicable include when:
 Recommended by the Steering and Policy Committee;
 50 or more Members submit a written request to the Caucus Chair within three legislative
days of a nominee being submitted to the Steering and Policy Committee;
 The nominee to be a subcommittee chair for a non-exclusive committee is also a Member
on an exclusive committee (except the Committee on Rules) and has been approved by
the Steering and Policy Committee; or
 The nominee had been convicted of a felony or censured by the House in the preceding
Congress.
Consideration by the Democratic Caucus follows the same procedures as described for Steering
and Policy Committee votes, including 60 minutes of debate, equal y divided, and use of secret
bal oting. If a candidate is rejected at any stage of consideration, the bidding process starts over
from the beginning.
In general, Members of the Democratic Caucus may not hold more than one subcommittee chair
position. Caucus Rule 22(D) prohibits full committee chairs from also serving as a subcommittee
chair for any committee except for the chairs of the Appropriations, Ethics, House
Administration, or joint committees. Caucus Rule 28(F) limits Members to serving as chair for
only one subcommittee. This rule does not apply to subcommittee chair positions on the
committees on Ethics, House Administration, or joint committees.
When a subcommittee chair vacancy arises prior to March 1st of the second session of the
Congress, it is fil ed by the same process described above unless Democratic committee Members
approve different procedures by unanimous consent.31 For vacancies occurring after that date,
bidding may be done by subcommittee seniority (as opposed to committee seniority) and must be
approved by majority vote of the Steering and Policy Committee (Caucus Rule 29(A)(3)).
Subcommittee chairs appointed after March 1 of the second session are also exempt for the
remainder of the Congress from Caucus Rules otherwise limiting serving as chair to multiple
committee or subcommittees.

29 House Democratic Caucus Rule 28(C)(2), p. 28.
30 T he procedures in this paragraph follow those provided in Caucus Rule 21, as directed by Caucus Rule 28(C)(3).
31 Subcommittee chair vacancies arising at any time within the Committee on Appropriations must be filled within 30
calendar days, pursuant to Caucus Rule 29(B).
Congressional Research Service

13

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Republican Conference Rules
The Republican Conference empowers its committee chairs to determine the process by which
subcommittee chairs are selected with few limitations. Pursuant to Conference Rule 19(a)(1),
committee chairs must provide written procedures to Republican committee Members prior to the
party’s committee organization meeting. The chair’s proposed procedures may be amended or
rejected by a majority vote of the committee’s party membership. For the Committee on
Appropriations, the chair nominates subcommittee chairs who are then subject to approval by the
Republican Steering Committee. Any vacancies that may arise are fil ed in the same manner as
laid out by committee chairs.
While committee chairs may determine the selection process for subcommittee chairs, Republican
Conference rules also place further limitations to service in such positions. As with other
committee leadership positions, Republican Members cannot serve as a subcommittee chair (or
ranking minority member) for more than three consecutive terms (six years), pursuant to
Conference Rule 14(e). Additional y, no Member may serve concurrently as chair of more than
one subcommittee (or standing committee) unless a waiver has been granted by the Republican
Conference. This limitation does not apply to subcommittee chair positions on the Committees on
Ethics, House Administration, joint or select committees.
Subcommittee Assignment Procedures
House Rules limit Members to serving on not more than four subcommittees of standing
committees, but also provide that each party caucus may propose exceptions to this limitation for
their respective Memberships.32 As a result, it is possible for Members to serve on more than four
subcommittees, subject to the approval of their party caucus. Exceptions to this four
subcommittee limit are commonly referred to as waivers. Waivers are issued to Members on a
case by case basis depending on the needs of the party and vacancies to be fil ed.
Both the Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference have rules addressing the appointment
of Members and chairs to subcommittees. The Republican Conference largely defers authority to
committee chairs, when in the majority, in making these assignments. In contrast, the Democratic
Caucus has explicit procedures for the appointment of subcommittee Members and chairs. Unlike
committee assignments, subcommittee assignments are not approved on the House floor.
Committees usual y vote to approve these assignments at the organizational meeting of the
committee held at the beginning of a new Congress.
Democratic Caucus Rules
Following the appointment of subcommittee chairs, House Democrats use a five-step bidding
process to assign their Members to subcommittees. The procedures, detailed in Caucus Rule
30(D), are designed to credit prior committee service and committee seniority while also ensuring
that new committee Members are guaranteed at least one subcommittee assignment. In the steps
below, Members bid on one subcommittee vacancy per round in order of their seniority on the
committee, as follows:
1. Members who served on the committee in the previous Congress may choose to
retain one33 of their prior subcommittee assignments. Subcommittee chairs do not

32 House Rule X, clause 5(b)(2)(A).
33 If a subcommittee from the prior Congress is divided into two new subcommittees, the Member is allowed to bid on
Congressional Research Service

14

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

participate in this round (with the exception of the Committee on
Appropriations).
2. Members eligible to participate in step 1 who opted out of retaining an existing
assignment may bid on one available subcommittee slot.
3. New committee Members then may bid on one available seat (and are guaranteed
one assignment under Caucus rules).
4. Al committee Members may then continue to bid on available subcommittee
slots in rounds in order of their seniority on the full committee.34 Subcommittee
chairs may participate in bidding at this point.
5. If any subcommittee slots remain, Members serving on the committee on a
temporary basis may bid on vacancies in order of their seniority on the
committee.
Following each bid for assignment, the committee caucus must approve the request.
Under Caucus Rule 3, these elections are conducted by secret bal ot and subject to
majority approval unless waived. Given the number of assignments to be fil ed and the
fact that only one Member per one assignment can be considered at a time, the committee
caucus is likely to agree to these assignments without objection in most cases, approving
al bids at the conclusion of the process. The full committee wil then approve both
parties’ slate of subcommittee assignments at its organizational meeting. Any vacancies
that later arise in subcommittees are fil ed by the same process above, though the
committee caucus may determine different procedures by unanimous consent.
Democratic Caucus Rule 31 reinforces the limitation in House rules on Member service to no
more than four subcommittees. Members found in violation by a survey of the Caucus are
required to comply within 30 calendar days or the matter wil be referred to the Steering and
Policy Committee for disposition. However, this four-subcommittee rule can be waived for
individual Members by the Caucus on a case by case basis.
Republican Conference Rules
For House Republicans, the subcommittee assignment process may vary from committee to
committee and from Congress to Congress. In contrast with the multi-step bidding process
codified in the Democratic Caucus’s Rules, the Republican Conference gives committee chairs
the authority to establish the process by which subcommittee assignments are made. The only
written requirement placed on committee chairs appears in Conference Rule 19(a)(1), which
directs that written procedures be provided to Republican committee Members prior to the party’s
committee organization meeting. The rule also provides that amendments to the chair’s
procedures can be adopted by a majority of the committee’s Republican Members.
Subcommittee Vice Chair Designation
House Rule XI, clause 2(d) requires that committee chairs appoint a vice chair for each
subcommittee (as wel as for the full committee itself, as discussed previously). Vice chairs are

both new entities. T his round of bidding within the Committee on Appropriations allows prior Members to retain two
prior subcommittee assignments.
34 For the Committee on Appropriations, bidding continues in committee rank order for Members who only have one
subcommittee assignment, then opens up to all committee Members for bidding on remainin g slots. As noted
previously, continuing Members of the Committee on Appropriations may opt to retain two subcommittee assignments
in the first step of the bidding process.
Congressional Research Service

15

link to page 25 link to page 26 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

selected from the Members of the majority party on each subcommittee for the purpose of
presiding over meetings when the subcommittee chair is absent. As previously discussed, the
Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference consider different criteria in selecting full
committee vice chairs, however, both entities’ rules are silent on the appointment of
subcommittee vice chairs. As a result, such appointments remain at the discretion of each
committee’s chair.
Non-Standing Committee Assignments
In addition to the standing committees of the House, there are also various other types of non-
standing committees that have special requirements as to the makeup of their membership. In
general, the Speaker appoints Members to these committees in consultation with the minority
leader and in accordance with any other requirements specified in the establishing legislation.
Democratic Caucus Rule 33 encourages the Speaker to give “due consideration” to al Members
expressing interest in being appointed to these committees. The rule further specifies that al such
appointments are for the duration of one Congress and al seats are treated as vacant at the start of
a new Congress. Republican Conference Rule 13 reaffirms the right of the Speaker to appoint
Members to al non-standing committees as specified under law. In general, select and joint
committees have additional requirements placed on the composition of their respective
memberships. The composition of and party rules relating to the Permanent Select Committee on
Intel igence is discussed below. More details on the composition of joint committees can be found
in Appendix B and regarding temporary select committees in Appendix C.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
The size and composition of the Permanent Select Committee on Intel igence is defined by House
Rule X, clause 11, but can be adjusted by unanimous consent.35 Under the rule, the committee
shal not have more than 22 Members and is subject to the following requirements:36
 Not more than 13 Members from the same party;
 At least one Member from the Committee on Appropriations;
 At least one Member from the Committee on Armed Services;
 At least one Member from the Committee on Foreign Affairs; and
 At least one Member from the Committee on the Judiciary.
Ex officio membership is also given to the Speaker and minority leader (neither of whom is given
a vote during committee business). Members may not serve on the committee for more than four
Congresses within a period of six Congresses, though this limitation does not apply to the chair or
ranking member.37
Both the Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference have additional rules that apply to the
Permanent Select Committee on Intel igence. Democratic Caucus Rule 18(D) limits Members to
one standing committee assignment while also serving on Intel igence. As previously noted, while

35 See Precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives, vol. 1, ch. 3, §8.8, pp. 308-309.
36 During the 117th Congress, by unanimous consent the House appointed 23 Members to the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, one more than allowed for under the rule. See Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 167
(March 12, 2021), p. H1362.
37 Service on the committee for only a portion of a Congress also does not count against the four Congress limit.
Congressional Research Service

16

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

serving on the committee, Democratic Members may take a leave of absence from their prior
committee or subcommittee assignments and have their seniority restored upon return to said
committees or subcommittees. Under Republican Conference Rules, Republican chairs and
ranking members on Intel igence and its subcommittees are limited to not more than three
consecutive terms (six years).
Removal from Committees
The House has the ability to remove a Member from one or more of their committee assignments
if a majority seeks to do so. This is usual y done in a similar fashion to how committee
assignments are made, with the decision to remove first determined by the relevant party caucus
and the formal act of removal occurring through the adoption of a simple resolution on the House
floor. However, in any case, a majority of the House has the ability to remove a Member from
their committee assignments even if not initiated by the Member’s own party.38
Member committee assignments are also contingent on their continued membership within their
party. When a Member switches political parties or chooses to become independent, their existing
committee assignments are automatical y nullified under House Rule X, clause 5(b)(1). Any
further committee assignments are then at the discretion of the party to which the Member has
newly affiliated themselves.
Both the Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference vest their respective steering
committees with the authority to recommend that a Member be removed from their assigned
committees.39 Such a recommendation is then subject to the approval of the full party caucus or
conference. Democratic Caucus Rules 24 and 25 automatical y remove a committee or
subcommittee chair from that position if the Member is indicted or convicted of a felony
imposing a sentence of two or more years.40 Republican Conference Rule 27 specifies that a
member convicted of a felony carrying a sentence of two or more years is to be removed from
their committee assignments within 10 legislative days. Under Republican Conference Rule 28, a
committee chair censured by the House is automatical y removed from their chairmanship.

38 For example, during the 117th Congress (2020-2021), the House adopted H.Res. 72, to remove Representative
Marjorie T aylor Greene from her assigned committees. T he resolution to remove a Republican Member from their
committee assignments was proposed by a Democrat and adopted without the support of a majority of the Republicans
in the House, in a 230-199 vote.
39 Democratic Caucus Rules 10(C)(2) and Republican Conference Rule 11. In situations where the Republican
Conference is considering removing a Member from a standing committee, the committee chair participates as a voting
member of the Steering Committee, the entity which takes the preliminary vote on whether to remove.
40 Democratic Caucus Rule 25 also automatically removes a committee or subcommittee chair if they are censured by
the House. Caucus Rules 24 and 25 both automatically reinstates a chair if they are found not guilty or their conviction
is overturned, unless the Caucus votes otherwise within 10 legislative days.
Congressional Research Service

17

link to page 23 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Appendix A. Composition of Party Steering
Committees
Table A-1. Republican Steering Committee Membership
Member
Speaker of the House (when the Republican Party is in the majority)
Republican Leader
Republican Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chair of the Republican Conference
Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee
Former Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee
Chair of the Committee on Policy
Vice-Chair of the Republican Conference
Secretary of the Republican Conference
Member designated by the Speaker/Leader
Sophomore Class Representative
Freshman Class Representative
Dean of the House (when a Member of the House Republican
Conference)
Region I Representative
Region II Representative
Region III Representative
Region IV Representative
Region V Representative
Region VI Representative
Region VII Representative
Region VIII Representative
Region IX Representative
Region X Representative
Region XI Representative
Region XII Representative
Smal State Representative
Texas Representative
Texas Representative II
Florida Representative
Ohio Representative
Rotating Standing committee chaira
Congressional Research Service

18

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Source: House Republican Conference Rule 11(B), at https://www.gop.gov/conference-rules-of-the-117th-
congress/.
Notes: Republican Members appointed to the House Republican Conference’s Steering Committee for the
117th Congress can be found at https://www.gop.gov/steering-committee/. Pursuant to Conference Rule 11(d),
when the Republican Party is in the majority in the House, the Speaker has 4 votes and the Republican leader has
2 votes in the Steering Committee. When the party is in the minority, the Republican leader has 4 votes and the
Republican Whip has 2 votes.
a. The chair of a standing committee participates in the Steering Committee when decisions are being made to
elect or remove Members from that standing committee.
Table A-2. Democratic Steering & Policy Committee Membership
Member
Speaker of the House (when the Democratic Party is in the majority)
Co-Chair for Steering
Co-Chair for Policy
Co-Chair
Democratic Leader
Democratic Whip
Assistant Speaker
Caucus Chair
Caucus Vice Chair
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Co-Chair, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee
Co-Chair, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee
Co-Chair, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee
Co-Chair, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee
Caucus Leadership Representative
Freshman Leadership Representative
Chair, Committee on Caucus Procedures
Parliamentarian
Senior Chief Deputy Whip
Senior Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Chief Deputy Whip
Freshman Class Representative
Congressional Research Service

19

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Member
Region 1 Representative
Region 2 Representative
Region 3 Representative
Region 4 Representative
Region 5 Representative
Region 6 Representative
Region 7 Representative
Region 8 Representative
Region 9 Representative
Region 10 Representative
Region 11 Representative
Region 12 Representative
Chair, Committee on Appropriations
Chair, Committee on the Budget
Chair, Committee on Rules
Chair, Committee on Energy & Commerce
Chair, Committee on Financial Services
Chair, Committee on Ways & Means
Up to 15 Members appointed by the Speaker
Sources: CRS analysis of House Democratic Caucus Rules (at https://www.dems.gov/rules-of-the-democratic-
caucus) and press releases by House Democratic leadership offices.
Notes: The House Democratic Caucus does not make public the membership of its Steering and Policy
Committee.

Congressional Research Service

20

link to page 25 link to page 25 Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Appendix B. Composition of Joint Committees
Joint Committees are established by law and are composed of members from both the House and
Senate. In the 117th Congress (2021-2022), four joint committees are in operation. The Speaker
appoints Members to these committees in consultation with the minority leader and in accordance
with requirements specified in the respective committee’s establishing legislation. The full
composition of each joint committee is listed below.
Table B-1. Joint Committee on Taxation
26 U.S.C. §8002
Five Members from the Senate Committee on
Five Members from the House Committee on
Finance
Ways & Means
Three majority Members & two minority Members
Three majority Members & two minority Members

Table B-2. Joint Committee on Printing
44 U.S.C. §101
Five Members from the Senate Committee on
Five Members from the House Committee on
Rules and Administration
House Administrationa
Four Members & the Chair of the committee
Four Members & the Chair of the committee
a. 2 U.S.C. §132b references the House Committee on House Oversight. The committee’s name was changed
to the Committee on House Administration by H.Res. 5 during the 106th Congress (1999-2000).
Table B-3. Joint Committee on the Library
2 U.S.C. §132b
Five Members from the Senate Committee on
Five Members from the House Committee on
Rules and Administration
House Administrationa
Four Members and the Chair of the committee
Four Members and the Chair of the committee
a. 2 U.S.C. §132b references the House Committee on House Oversight. The committee’s name was changed
to the Committee on House Administration by H.Res. 5 during the 106th Congress (1999-2000).
Table B-4. Joint Economic Committee
15 U.S.C. §1024
Ten Members of the Senate
Ten Members of the House
Six majority Members and four minority Members
Six majority Members and four minority Members

Congressional Research Service

21

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Appendix C. Composition of Temporary House
Select Committees
Table C-1. Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Established by H.Res. 6, Sec. 104(f), 116th Congress (2019-2020)
15 Committee Members
9 Members appointed by the Speaker, one of which is
6 Members appointed on recommendation of the
designated as Chair.
Minority Leader.
Note: The Select Committee on the Climate Crisis was continued by H.Res. 8, Sec. 4(d), during the 117th
Congress (2021-2022).
Table C-2. Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
Established by H.Res. 6, Sec. 201, 116th Congress (2019-2020)
12 Committee Members
6 Members appointed by the Speaker, of which
6 Members appointed on recommendation of the

at least 1 Member serving in their first term;
Minority Leader, of which



at least 1 Member from the Committee on

at least 1 Member serving in their first term;
Rules;

at least 1 Member from the Committee on

Rules;

at least 1 Member from the Committee on
House Administration; and

at least 1 Member from the Committee on

House Administration; and

1 Member designated as Chair.

1 Member designated as Vice Chair.
Note: The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress was continued by H.Res. 8, Sec. 4(e), during
the 117th Congress (2021-2022).
Table C-3. Select Committee Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth
Established by H.Res. 8, Sec. 4(g), 117th Congress (2021-2022)
15 Committee Members
9 Members appointed by the Speaker.
6 Members appointed on recommendation of the
Chair is also designated by the Speaker.
Minority Leader.

Author Information

Michael Greene

Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process

Congressional Research Service

22

Rules Governing House Committee and Subcommittee Assignment Procedures

Disclaimer
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
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should n ot be relied upon for purposes other
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
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
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.

Congressional Research Service
R46786 · VERSION 1 · NEW
23