What is the congressional committee system and what functions does it perform?

The congressional committee system is a framework within the U.S. Congress that organizes members into specialized groups to handle specific areas of legislation, such as finance, foreign relations, and judiciary. Committees perform essential functions, including reviewing and amending proposed bills, conducting hearings to gather information, and overseeing executive branch activities. This system allows for more efficient management of legislative tasks and enables members to develop expertise in particular policy areas. By facilitating detailed examination and debate, committees play a crucial role in shaping and advancing legislation.