The aim of this article is to question the variation in standing committees’ roles and impacts and to explore how the uniqueness of their constitutional role can obscure a variety of approaches and practices. The present study reflects on the diversity of these committees by examining the case of the French Senate. This article demonstrates that the heterogeneity of Senate committees may have consequences for the legislative process. Considering Parliament reform through a re-evaluation of the role of standing committees must therefore involve questioning committee differences. This article considers the different roles committees play in the Senate and examines their influence on the legislative process.