For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-98-488
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Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress
                                                               
  



�
Committee hearings provide Representatives an opportunity to gather information on, and draw
attention to, legislation and issues within a committee's purview; conduct oversight of programs
or agencies; and investigate allegations of mismanagement or wrongdoing.This checklist
identifies many of the tasks that need to be performed, primarily by staff, for full committees and,
in most cases, subcommittees, in advance of a hearing. Some are required by House or committee
rules; others are common committee practice. For more information on the legislative process,
see http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml.




   
                                                                                         
  



    
     Preliminary Decisions ............................................................................................................... 1
     Witness Selection ...................................................................................................................... 1
     Media Concerns ........................................................................................................................ 2
     Final Preparations...................................................................................................................... 2


   
Author Contact Information ............................................................................................................ 2




   
                                                                              
  





C
        ommittee hearings provide Representatives an opportunity to gather information on, and
        draw attention to, legislation and issues within a committee's purview; conduct oversight
        of programs or agencies; and investigate allegations of mismanagement or wrongdoing.1
This checklist identifies many of the tasks that need to be performed, primarily by staff, for full
committees and, in most cases, subcommittees, in advance of a hearing. Some are required by
House or committee rules; others are common committee practice. For more information on the
legislative process, see http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml.


�                          
       �    Prepare a memorandum for the chair (and perhaps for other committee members)
            outlining the need for, and scope of, the hearing, possible witnesses, number of
            hearing days anticipated, and political considerations, such as the "message," of
            the hearing.
       �    Obtain the chair's approval to hold the hearing.
       �    Check the schedule of the chair and ranking minority member, determine
            availability of and reserve committee hearing room, set dates, arrange for an
            official reporter, and confirm availability of "essential" witnesses.
       �    Several days prior to the hearing, brief committee members and staff and send a
            memorandum confirming date, time, location, and topic.
       �    The day before the hearing, call members to determine expected attendance and
            ascertain that a quorum, usually two committee members, will be present to hear
            testimony. Check for possible conflicts between hearing times and House floor
            schedule.
       �    Prepare an opening statement for the chair, ranking member, and other members.

 
       �    Select witnesses in coordination with committee leaders, executive branch
            officials, and issue leaders. House Rule XI, clause 2 gives the minority the right
            to call witnesses on at least one day of the hearing. Obtain required number of
            copies of each witness's written statement.
       �    Invite witnesses by phone, then by formal letter from the chair, providing hearing
            information and requesting pertinent information. Invitation letters might include
            date, time, location, and subject; a copy of pertinent House and committee rules;
            reimbursement information (if applicable); deadline for submitting written
            statements and quantity required; and the name and phone number of a staff
            contact.
       �    Where appropriate, interview, depose, or subpoena witnesses.




1
    This report was written by Thomas P. Carr, formerly an Analyst at CRS.




      
                                                               
  



 
    �   Review House Rule XI, clause 4, and pertinent committee rules that provide
        guidance on broadcasting committee hearings.
    �   Provide the committee press secretary with material for committee
        announcements of events and activities on the committee website. In consultation
        with the press secretary, assemble media kits, and arrange interviews or press
        conferences with the chair and other committee members.
    �   On the hearing day and in consultation with the committee press secretary,
        distribute press releases, witness statements, and witness list.

  
    �   Prepare Members' briefing books that include description of the subject, scope,
        and purpose of hearing; copies and comparisons of measures under
        consideration; pertinent statutes and regulations; court decisions; published
        articles; a chronology of major events; questions or talking points; and a list of
        witnesses, biographical information, and copies or summaries of written
        testimony.
    �   Assemble materials on the dais, including a gavel and block (for the chair),
        briefing books, House and committee rules (for the staff), cups and water, and
        paper and pencils. Place cups, water, and nameplates on the witness table.
    �   Provide the official reporter with the witness list and statements, and Members'
        opening statements.



    

Christopher M. Davis
Analyst on the Congress and Legislative Process
cmdavis@crs.loc.gov, 7-0656




   

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For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-98-488