What is a "conference committee"?

A "conference committee" is indeed a temporary committee formed to reconcile differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate on a particular piece of legislation. After both chambers pass different versions of a bill, a conference committee is created. Members from both the House and Senate work together to negotiate and draft a compromise version of the bill that can be agreed upon by both legislative bodies. Once they reach an agreement, this revised bill is sent back to both chambers for approval.

The other options do not accurately define a conference committee. A permanent committee, for example, refers to standing committees that oversee specific areas of legislation, while hearings on proposed amendments are typically conducted by various committees but are not uniquely defined as a function of a conference committee. Discussions about international treaties usually take place in specific committees such as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and do not pertain to the reconciliation of general legislation or bills between both chambers. Thus, the correct understanding of a conference committee is vital in comprehending how legislative processes work within the U.S. Congress.