The Least Desirable Congressional Committees and Why Ethics Matters

When it comes to serving on Congressional committees, certain roles are often met with more scorn than others. While some committees are seen as valuable and influential, others are frequently viewed as a waste of time and resources. This article delves into the least desirable Congressional committees and highlights the unique challenges and controversies they bring to the table.

House Administration: A Bureaucratic Nightmare

One of the least desirable committees is the House Administration. It oversees office space and staff expenses, and during Wayne Hays' tenure, the committee became notorious for being a place of political vengeance and personal vendettas. Director Hays, of the Democratic Party, controlled the committee but his methods were not well-received. As a result, his decisions often led to significant distress among his colleagues.

Hays was known for his heavy-handed approach, and there was a fear associated with his position. One particular controversy involved his non-typing, non-filing staff assistant, Elizabeth Ray, more commonly known as his mistress. Ray gained notoriety when she famously showed her blouse to reporters to explain her hiring, a move that significantly marred Hays' career and reputation.

House Ethics: A Polarizing Honor

A more controversial and less desirable committee is the House Ethics. While it may seem like a daunting honor to serve on the Ethics Committee, it often results in a member being something of a social pariah. The committee is responsible for reviewing and judging issues of conduct among members of Congress, and serving on it can be a lonely endeavor. Despite the potential stigma, there have been notable figures who have served on this committee, like Newt Gingrich in 1978.

Newt Gingrich, a former member with a PhD in history and an expert on African history, boldly sought to serve on the House Ethics Committee. Contrary to expectations, his primary interests seemed to lie in reviewing paperclip requests and judging his fellow House members morally. His request was granted, and he ended up dealing with numerous ethics complaints, including being subject to his own. His tenure on the committee left him notoriety and challenges, but also enriched his political life.

Members of the Ethics Committee face the dual challenge of upholding the integrity of Congress and being alienated by their peers. This dual nature makes their role both challenging and unique. While the committee is responsible for ensuring a fair and ethical environment within Congress, it often alienates members who are placed on it, as they are seen as minding other people's business rather than focusing on their work.

Finding the Least Desirable Committees: A Survey of Backwater Chambers

While the House Administration and House Ethics committees are well-known for their downsides, other less recognized committees also hold their own unique set of challenges. These "backwater" committees often deal with arcane or less visible issues, such as government printing, postal service, or archiving. They are generally not as politically exciting as committees dealing with key issues such as defense, foreign affairs, or finance.

Members of these committees might feel overlooked or underappreciated. For example, the House Committee on Government Reform often dealt with mundane and bureaucratic tasks, making it less glamorous but potentially equally as important. These committees may not grab headlines or receive significant media attention, but they play a vital role in the legislative process.

Conclusion

Whether it's due to the bureaucratic nightmares of House Administration or the social ramifications of House Ethics, certain Congressional committees are often seen as less desirable. These committees, while important in their own right, are often met with a mixture of disdain and admiration, making them unique and challenging platforms for members of Congress to serve on.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the roles of these committees will remain critical, but their challenges will likely persist. Understanding the unique dynamics of these committees can help better prepare members who find themselves in these challenging roles.