Committee jurisdiction

Intermediate 🏛️ Government / Politics

Definition

The specific policy areas and subjects a particular committee is authorized to oversee and legislate. Turf wars in legislative form.

Example Usage

The healthcare bill fell under the jurisdiction of both the Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.

Origin

From 'jurisdiction,' meaning legal authority; committees established in Congress since the 1800s

Fun Fact

Committee jurisdiction conflicts sometimes prevent bills from being considered, or cause bills to be split among multiple committees

Source: Congressional structure terminology

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