Committee of the whole [house]

a committee, embracing all the members present, into which a legislative or deliberative body sometimes resolves itself, for the purpose of considering a particular measure under the operation of different rules from those governing the general legislative proceedings. The committee of the whole has its own chairman, and reports its action in the form of recommendations.

See also: Committee

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G. & C. Merriam Co.