What position heads a standing committee in a legislative body?

The position that heads a standing committee in a legislative body is the committee chairperson. This individual is responsible for leading the committee's activities, including scheduling meetings, presiding over discussions, and guiding the committee’s legislative agenda. The chairperson plays a crucial role in managing the workflow of the committee, directing debates on bills, and ensuring that the committee meets its obligations to review legislation effectively. This leadership position is typically held by a member of the majority party, giving them significant influence over the legislative process within that committee.

In legislative bodies, standing committees are permanent and focused on specific areas of policy, such as finance, education, or foreign affairs, and the chairperson navigates the complexities of these subjects. By contrast, roles such as committee member, majority whip, and floor leader serve different functions within the legislative framework, focusing on support, coordination, or party leadership rather than serving as the head of a specific committee.