Congressional committees are specialized groups within the U.S. Congress that focus on specific areas of legislation, such as finance, education, or foreign affairs. These committees play a crucial role in reviewing proposed laws, conducting hearings, and gathering information. They help streamline the legislative process by allowing smaller groups of lawmakers to examine issues in detail before presenting them to the full Congress. There are several types of committees, including standing committees, which are permanent and address ongoing issues, and select committees, which are temporary and formed for specific tasks. Additionally, joint committees consist of members from both the House and Senate, promoting collaboration on shared concerns.