Number: RL34293
Title: Resolving House Committee Jurisdictional Disputes: A Survey of Options
Authors: Walter J. Oleszek, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Jurisdictional clashes can sometimes stymie action on legislation. However, there are many ways to minimize or resolve committee disputes. This report identifies several common conflict-resolving techniques that have been employed at several junctures of the lawmaking process, specifically the drafting of measures, the referral of legislation, the committee stage, and the Rules Committee's issuance of special rules. This is an illustrative and not an exhaustive list. For example, the Speaker could name conferees from more than one committee to accommodate another panel's jurisdictional interests. Or potential jurisdictional conflicts on the floor might be avoided by allowing two or more competing committees the opportunity to offer a jointly created substitute amendment.
Pages: 14
Date: December 26, 2007