Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-03-31

: Hearings before the Senate Com
nlittee on the Judiciary with refer
ence to the Presidents court plan
have served to focus new attention
on the important part Congressional
committees play in the legislative
field Of our Government. It is not too
much to say that these committees
really draft the laws under which our
people live. Nevertheless, compare
lively few people really appreciate
their Importance and have knowl-
edge of their functions.
All proposed legislation is referred
to the proper committee. If it per-
tains to the courts, it goes to the judi
ciary committees of both Houses. If
it pertains to the Navy, it is referred
to the committees on Naval Affairs
and son on. Should the measure in
troduced be Of Importance, the COM
mittees hold hearings, such as those
now in progress on the court plan,
and it is here that the people register
their views. Thus Congressional COM
mittees are the ears and eyes of Con-
greSs. More important laws, such as
tax bills, ETC., are drafted in commit
fee rooms and reach the floors of both
Houses as committee bills. Of course
these bills can be virtually redrafted
in the Senate and in the House in the
Senate and in the House in the course
of debate and amendment, but with
out previous committee consideration
the work of the Congress would be
hopelessly jumbled.
Naturally members concerned with
particular legislation secure commit
tee reports, copies of hearings and
confer with committee members with
regard to ues of Importance. Thus.
the committees are firmly entrenched
in the basic workings of the Congress.
No better evidence Of the key part
committees have in the legislative
branch of the Government can be
found than the fact that the stand
ing influence of a memser of Con-
gress, whether he be a Senator or
Representative is based on his com
mittee posts. And this standing and
Influence is gained only through as
signments that are based on seniority
attained through service. North Caro-
lina'S representation on committees
is today particularly strong because
the members of it's delegation have
seniority attained through continuous
service.
New members of both Houses start
at the bottom of committees. The
seniority rule is never violated Men
with long years in service and great
prestige in the House have come to
the Senate, but were forced to take
the same rank SO far as COMMITTEES
are concerned, as a new Senator with
out previous Congress- onal experience
For example, Nathaniel Macon of
North Carolina, who served with dis
tinction as Speaker of the House of
Representatives, started anew when
he came to the Senate, and his pre-
viOus experience in the House counted
for naught when it came to commit
tee assignments. Thus, the seniority
rule is one Of the most hallowed Con-
gressional traditions.
The most treasured post in Con-
gress is a committee craftsmanship,
with it's prestige and power. And this
prestige and power comes only thro-
ugh continuous service. AS a result
the committees are composed of men
of experience and who are ably equip
ped to exercise the great functions
given to them in the orderly process
of drafting and redrafting laws and
in reflecting the will of the people.