In the United States Congress, if a committee is formed to investigate one topic it is called a special committee. Some special committees have had huge impacts like the Ways and Means Committee that started out as a special committee. This committee moved on to become a regular committee and created the treasury department.

A notation is an additional written comment, or footnote, that explains the committee's findings to the legislative chamber when the committee presents a bill for approval.

Members of Congress usually choose committee chairperson on the basis of seniority. Nominations are made by the majority party caucus or conference.

"Committee" can be used as both a singular and plural noun. When referring to the group as a whole, it is singular (e.g., "The committee has made a decision"). When emphasizing individual members or actions within the group, it can be plural (e.g., "The committee are discussing their findings").

The election committee sends leaders to states to campaign for their party's candidate.