Learn More About Key Senate and House Committees
Legislative issues affecting occupational therapy are handled by several key committees, described below. See the description of Federal Congressional Committees that have jurisdiction over issues that may affect your practice of occupational therapy.
The United States Congress makes legislative decisions that will affect your practice. Congress is a "bicameral" legislature, meaning it is made up of two legislative bodies: the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
What are Congressional committees?
- The day-to-day work of the United States Congress is carried out through different committees. Most Members of Congress are assigned to one or more committees. Each committee oversees a different function of the Federal government.
- Committees are an essential part of the legislative process. They monitor operations within their jurisdiction, identify and debate legislative fixes to issues raised by constituents or other stakeholders, and recommend courses of action to the full chamber.
- Committee work can encompass any issue over which the Federal Congress and that specific committee have jurisdiction.
- Get more information
The United States Senate
The United States Senate is called the "upper chamber" of the United States Congress. There are 100 Senators, 2 from each state. Every 2 years, one third of the Senate is up for re-election, meaning a Senator typically is elected for 6 years.
The United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is called the "lower chamber" of the United States Congress. There are 435 Members from Congressional Districts, 1 nonvoting Resident Commissioner, and 5 nonvoting Delegates. Every Representative and Delegate is up for re-election every 2 years.