Number: RL30743
Title: Committee Assignment Process in the U.S. Senate: Democratic and Republic Party Procedures
Authors: Judy Schneider, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: After general elections are over, one of the first orders of business for Senate leaders is setting the sizes and ratios of committees. Although the size of each standing committee is set in Senate rules, changes in these sizes often result from inter-party negotiations before each new Congress. Senate party leaders also negotiate the party ratios on standing committees. Determinations of sizes and ratios usually are made before the process of assigning Senators to committees.
Pages: 13
Date: Updated November 3, 2006