What is the function of the House Committee on Rules? Why is it so important?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that the Committee on Rules decides how a bill will be debated on the floor by the full House membership.
2. State that the House Committee on Rules is unique to the House of Representatives, without a direct parallel in the Senate. This serves to make this committee powerful through its "traffic cop" function.
3. Explain how the Committee on Rules is a tool used by the Speaker and the majority party to shape legislation to their liking.