Final answer:
Congress obtains information and expertise on health issues through reading research, holding hearings with policy experts, and consulting health agencies and organizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress obtains information and expertise on health issues through various mechanisms:
- Reading research and reports: Legislators can gather information on health issues by reading research studies, reports, and publications from experts in the field. This allows them to stay updated on the latest findings and understand the complexities of the issues.
- Holding hearings: Congress holds hearings where they engage with policy experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders. These hearings provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge and insights on health issues, thereby helping Congress gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
- Consulting health agencies and organizations: Congress can seek information and expertise from health agencies and organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and professional medical associations. These entities have extensive knowledge and resources and can provide valuable guidance to Congress on health-related matters.