Definitions for "Select or Special Committee"
Select committee” or “Special Committee” are interchangeable terms for panels that are established to investigate a specific matter or study an assigned area. For the most part, they are not meant to be permanent fixtures but are created to work on a current problem, and have a temporary life span. Special/select committees are sometimes given the authority to consider and report legislation but most often they are limited to investigations and studies.
A committee set up for a special purpose and, usually, for a limited time, by resolution of either the House or Senate.
A committee established by either the House or the Senate for a limited time period to perform a particular study or investigation. These committees might be given or denied authority to report legislation to that Chamber.