Standing committees are permanent groups within a legislative body, such as the U.S. Congress, that focus on specific areas of policy, like finance or education. These committees are responsible for reviewing proposed legislation, conducting hearings, and making recommendations. Their ongoing nature allows them to develop expertise in their designated fields, ensuring that they can effectively evaluate and refine laws. Members of standing committees are typically selected from the larger legislative body and serve for a set term. This structure helps maintain continuity and stability in the legislative process. By working on issues consistently, standing committees play a crucial role in shaping and guiding legislation through the law-making process.