Legal Definitions - ways-and-means committee

A ways-and-means committee is a group of legislators who decide how the government will get the money it needs to fund its programs and services.

• The United States House of Representatives has a Ways and Means Committee that is responsible for writing tax legislation and determining how the government will collect revenue.
• A state legislature may have a Ways and Means Committee that decides how to allocate funds for education, healthcare, and other public services.

These examples illustrate how a ways-and-means committee plays a crucial role in determining how the government will finance its operations. By deciding on tax policies and budget allocations, the committee helps ensure that the government has the resources it needs to provide essential services to its citizens.