United States Congressional Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress

The Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress is the name given to three separate temporary joint congressional committees established during the mid to late 20th century to study and make recommendations on measures to improve the structure of the U.S. Congress, including committees, staff, and other organizational matters.

History

The committee existed in three different versions during the last 60 years, each with a set timetable and responsibilities.

1945-1947

The committee was established by S. Con. Res. 23, 78th Congress. It held 39 public hearings between March 3 and June 29, 1945, as well as four executive sessions. Over 100 witnesses testified, including 45 members of Congress, and an additional 37 members submitted statements. The recommendations of the committee led to streamlining of congressional committees and adoption of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.[1]

1965-1966

The committee was established on March 11, 1965 by S. Con. Res. 2, 89th United States Congress. Its mission was to study the operation of Congress and recommend improvements "with a view toward strengthening the Congress, simplifying its operations, improving its relationship with other branches of the United States Government, and enabling it better to meet its responsibilities under the Constitution."[2]

The committee held hearings over a period of 5 months, taking testimony from 199 witnesses, including 106 members of Congress. The committee issued its final report (S. Rept. 1414) on July 28, 1966. This work eventually led to the passage of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970.[2]

1991-1994

The last and most recent version of this committee attempted further reforms, some of which were adopted by Congress when Republicans gained control of the House and Senate after the 1994 Congressional elections. Key among these was the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (Pub.L. 104–1 (text) (pdf)), which applied provisions of 11 major labor laws to Congress and its employees for the first time.

References
  1. "Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress (1944-46)". Guide to the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives at the National Archives, 1789-1989. National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  2. "Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress (1965-66)". Guide to the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives at the National Archives, 1789-1989. National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved May 17, 2010.

Sources

"Reorganization of the House of Representatives: Modern Reform Efforts" (PDF), Congressional Research Service, October 20, 2003, retrieved January 10, 2017

Reorganization of the Senate: Modern Reform Efforts, Congressional Research Service, October 15, 2003


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