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Summary

A congressional advisory commission is a formal group often established for the purpose of obtaining advice, developing recommendations on complex policy issues, or finding solutions to contentious problems. Congressional commissions are usually established by statute, typically involve Members of Congress in the appointment process (either through direct service on the commission or by appointing or recommending candidates), and deliver their work product to Congress, often in the form of recommendations for legislative action. Most congressional commissions are temporary bodies that study particular policy problems or investigate events (policy commissions) and report their findings to Congress. Congress also occasionally creates commissions that commemorate a person or event, oversee ongoing functions of Congress, or serve diplomatic or interparliamentary functions. This report provides an overview of congressional advisory commissions and the general statutory structure of a congressional policy commission. For additional information, see CRS Report RL33313, Congressional Commissions, Committees, Boards, and Groups: Appointment Authority and Membership, by Matthew E. Glassman.

Related Reports:
• RS22725

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