The Energy and Commerce Committee of the US House of Representatives has existed for over 200 years, with a focus on protecting the consumer. It has jurisdiction over public health, telecommunications, and energy supply, and has multiple subcommittees. The committee has changed names several times, with the current name reflecting a focus on energy supply and management. It also oversees areas such as telecommunications, food and drug safety, and travel and tourism. The committee meets monthly and requires a majority of members for certain actions.
The Energy and Commerce Committee (ECC) is one of three committees of the House of Representatives of the United States government that has existed for over 200 years. The committee has changed its name several times to reflect changing attitudes, but the primary focus is on protecting the consumer. The ECC has jurisdiction over areas of importance to the public such as public health, telecommunications, and energy supply and provision. Multiple subcommittees help the Energy and Trade Committee maintain its effectiveness.
In 1795, the United States government established the Committee on Commerce and Manufacturing Industry. This committee gathered its members from the House of Representatives and was formed to help oversee developments in trade with other nations and business in America. The committee has changed its name over the years, but the focus on promoting trade and protecting public interests has remained the same.
In 1819, the group became the Commerce Committee when manufacturing became a committee in its own right. The name moved again by the end of the century to Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. This reflected the change in commerce generally after the Industrial Revolution. Since it was now possible to trade with different parts of the world, the committee felt it needed to broaden its scope.
The current name, the Energy and Trade Committee, came about in 1981. This was in part a reaction to the two oil crises of the 1970s. The country has become more concerned with energy supply and management. Energy issues were also quickly linked to consumer protection questions.
In addition to energy and trade, the committee has legislative oversight in areas such as telecommunications, food and drug safety, travel and tourism. He oversees the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Energy. There are also seven subcommittees, including Oversight and Investigations, Communications and Energy, and the Environment.
The Energy and Commerce Committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month when the House is in session. The committee may meet with only two members present. However, a majority of members is required for certain actions. There are currently 59 members, including the chair of the Committee on Energy and Trade and the chairs of the subcommittees.
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