Congressional Inefficiency

The federal government is set to spend over $300 billion on programs with expired authorizations, meaning the programs have not undergone extensive analysis to determine their efficiency. The process to fund programs through committees is extremely complicated. Madeline Karon describes this arduous process in her article and mentions the time consuming nature of the committee system in Congress. She argues that the committee system is inefficient and does not positively contribute to Congress. Karon believes the committee system should be removed as it negatively affects the outcome of Congress.

Weingast and Marshall analyze the role of Congressional committees in their paper, “The Industrial Organization of Congress”. They argue that legislative institutions are organized in committees similar to market firms. The committee system of Congress as an enforcement mechanism is essential to ensure success. This contrasts with Karon’s argument as the Congressional committee system is actually a positive contribution. Weingast and Marshall propose that the committees, as groups, operate in order to monitor congress, distribute information, and mobilize support. Congressmen and women have comparative advantages when acting in Congress, which supports the theory of committees. Weingast and Marshall disprove Karon’s argument and show the essentiality of committees in Congress.