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 to make informed recommendations to the full Congress. There are two main types of committees: standing committees, which are permanent and handle ongoing issues, and select committees, which are temporary and address specific problems. Additionally, joint committees include members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, facilitating collaboration on shared concerns.