Which statement best describes committee clearance?

• A. The power of Congress to veto a presidential action after it has taken place
• B. The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve agency decisions in advance and without passing a law
• C. A process for publishing agency regulations
• D. A requirement for courts to approve major agency rules

Answer: (B)

Committee clearance is the process by which a congressional committee reviews and approves an agency’s proposed decision before it becomes official policy, as a form of legislative oversight that occurs without new legislation. This advance approval lets Congress shape or signal support for agency actions, ensuring they align with congressional priorities before rules are written or published. It’s not about veto after the action has occurred, not about the publishing of regulations in the formal rulemaking process, and not about courts approving agency rules. So the statement that best describes committee clearance is that committees review and approve agency decisions in advance and without passing a law.