Congressional Committee Chairs

Congressional Committee Chairs

Primary Sources

Cannon, Joseph G. Senate Document No. 163, Speech delivered in Kansas City, MO, November 26, 1909.

Representative Cannon (R-IL, 1873-1891, 1893-1913, 1915-1923; Speaker of the House 1903-1911) discusses the power of the Chair of the Committee on Rules, which sets the rules for debate and amendment (markup) of bills. Representative Cannon speaks from extensive experience as he chaired the Committee on Appropriations (1895-1903) and the Committee on Rules (1903-1911) during his tenure.

Rules of the Committee on Rules for the 112th Congress, January 5, 2011.

The House Committee on Rules provides an extensive list of the rules in each new Congress. The Committee on Rules, one of the most powerful committees in Congress, determines conditions for debate and amendment (markup) on all bills prior to consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Ryan, Paul. On the Rule of Law, Speech Commemorating Constitution Day, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI , September 15, 2011.

Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI, 1999-present) focuses on the importance of the “rule of law” in the Constitution. He cites the need for Congressional change with respect to federal monetary policy. According to Ryan, “…the Fed [Federal Reserve Board] has trended too far toward discretionary and away from rules-based monetary actions.” As Chairman of the House Committee on the Budget, he wields considerable influence on fiscal policy making.