| − | Senators are assigned to specific committees by their party conference. Seniority, regional balance, and political philosophy are the most prominent factors in the committee assignment process. | + | [[senator|Senators]] are assigned to specific [[committee|committees]] by their party conference. Seniority, regional balance, and political philosophy are the most prominent factors in the committee assignment process.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/committee_membership.htm] US Senate Reference</ref> |