Government Glossary

Hearing

A formal meeting of a congressional committee (or subcommittee) to gather information from witnesses for use in its.

Plain-English Meaning

A formal meeting of a congressional committee (or subcommittee) to gather information from witnesses for use in its activities (that is, the development of legislation, oversight of executive agencies, investigations into matters of public policy, or Senate consideration of presidential nominations). Learn more About Committees and Committee Materials. See also, committee-related activity.

Related Guide Pages

CongressA true Congress home page for understanding the House, Senate, lawmaking, committees, oversight, federal powers, member work, and official records.Congressional CommitteesA practical guide to House, Senate, select, special, and joint committees: what they do, how hearings and markup work, and where to find official committee pages.Executive Branch and PresidencyThe presidency, executive offices, Cabinet, federal agencies, presidential actions, appointments, emergency powers, and checks on executive authority.How a Bill Becomes a LawA complete plain-English guide to how an idea becomes a federal bill, moves through committees and floor votes, reaches the President, and becomes public law.