What is a characteristic of standing committees in Congress?

Standing committees in Congress are characterized by their permanence and their focus on ongoing legislative issues. Unlike temporary committees, such as select or joint committees, standing committees are established to address specific areas of legislation and remain in operation from one Congress to the next. This stability allows them to develop expertise over time in their respective subject areas, such as finance, foreign relations, or health.

Because they deal with ongoing issues, standing committees provide a structure for the systematic consideration of complex policy matters, enabling the legislative process to be more efficient and organized. The ability to handle continuous issues is essential for Congress to function effectively, as it often revisits and refines legislation based on changes in society and governance.