We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

What is the Energy and Commerce Committee?

By N. Freim
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

The Energy and Commerce Committee (ECC) is one of three committees in the House of Representatives in the United States government that has been around for more than 200 years. The committee has changed its name several times to reflect changing attitudes, but the main goal is to protect the consumer. The ECC has jurisdiction over areas of importance to the public like public health, telecommunications, and the supply and delivery of energy. Multiple subcommittees help the Energy and Commerce Committee maintain its effectiveness.

In 1795, the U.S. government established the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures. This committee drew its members from the House of Representatives and was formed to help oversee the developments in trade with other nations as well as businesses in America. The committee has changed names over the years, but the focus on promoting commerce and protecting public interests has remained the same.

In 1819, the group became the Committee on Commerce when manufacturing became a committee in its own right. The name shifted again by the end of the century to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. This reflected the change in commerce in general after the Industrial Revolution. Since trade with different parts of the world was now possible, the committee felt it should widen its scope.

The current name, the Energy and Commerce Committee, came about in 1981. This was in part a reaction to the two oil crises in the 1970s. The country became more concerned with delivery and management of energy. Energy issues also became quickly linked to questions about consumer protection.

In addition to energy and commerce, the committee has legislative oversight in areas like telecommunications, food and drug safety, and travel and tourism. It 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 Environment.

The Energy and Commerce Committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month when the House is in session. The committee can have a meeting with only two members present. A majority of members is needed, though, for certain actions. There are currently 59 members, including the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the chairmen of the subcommittees.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.