Final answer:
A permanent committee in Congress is a standing committee that handles legislative issues on an ongoing basis, influencing the legislative process and the careers of its members.
Step-by-step explanation:
A permanent committee within the context of the United States Congress refers to a standing committee that is consistently involved in the assessment of legislation related to its jurisdiction. These committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by examining a wide range of issues, and they maintain an ongoing basis through the congressional sessions. They conduct hearings, gather expert testimonies, perform research, and draft committee reports to help guide the development and passage of legislation.
Members of Congress strive to get assignments on these committees because they significantly influence their political careers, and these committees are where the substantive work of crafting legislation takes place. Given their importance, serving on a particular committee can lead to national recognition and shape the legislative priorities and expertise of congress members. The existence of such committees allows Congress to manage the extensive and diverse array of issues that confront the nation, by splitting the workload into specialized segments.