Senate, House, joint, or special committees of Congress will meet to obtain information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, oversee the activities of a government department or the implementation of a federal law, and evaluate political nominations. Committees will often have subcommittees focused on particular subject areas.
Committee reports are useful research tools because they are part of the history of legislation and can reveal the intent behind its proposal and enactment.
Committee hearings are often open to the public.
