Final answer:
A permanent committee in either the House of Representatives or the Senate with the authority to draft and review legislation in specific areas is known as a standing committee. These committees play a pivotal role in the legislative process, with subcommittees often focusing on particular aspects of legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A permanent committee with the power to propose and write legislation that covers a particular subject, such as finance or appropriations, is known as a standing committee. In both the House of Representatives and the Senate, standing committees are essential to the legislative process. These committees handle the majority of the workload for new bills and resolutions, holding hearings, receiving testimonies, and researching to make informed decisions on proposed legislation. Members of these committees may appoint subcommittees to focus on more specific aspects of a bill.
In addition to standing committees, there are joint committees, conference committees, and special or select committees. Each plays a distinct role within Congress, but it is the standing committees that are most directly involved in the legislative process of drafting and deliberating on proposed laws. Through this structure, both houses of Congress divide their work based on specialization to effectively manage the broad array of issues and legislative proposals they encounter.