Conference Committee

Definition

A conference committee is a temporary, ad-hoc committee composed of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate that is formed to resolve differences between versions of a bill that have passed each chamber. The goal of the conference committee is to craft a compromise version of the bill that can then be approved by both the House and Senate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conference committees are typically formed when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill and need to reconcile the differences.
2. The conferees, or members of the conference committee, are usually senior members of the relevant standing committees in each chamber.
3. Conference committees have the authority to make changes to the bill as long as the changes are within the scope of the differences between the House and Senate versions.
4. Once the conference committee reaches an agreement, it must submit a conference report detailing the compromise version of the bill, which must then be approved by both the House and Senate.
5. The conference committee process is an important part of the legislative process, as it allows for the resolution of differences between the chambers and the creation of a final bill that can be sent to the President for signature or veto.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose and function of a conference committee in the legislative process.
  • The purpose of a conference committee is to resolve differences between the versions of a bill that have passed the House and Senate. The conference committee is composed of members from both chambers and is tasked with crafting a compromise version of the bill that can be approved by both the House and Senate. This process is crucial for reconciling the different policy positions and priorities of the two chambers, and allows for the creation of a final bill that can be sent to the President.
• Describe the composition and authority of a conference committee.
  • Conference committees are typically made up of senior members of the relevant standing committees in the House and Senate. The conferees have the authority to make changes to the bill as long as those changes are within the scope of the differences between the House and Senate versions. This means the conference committee can make substantive changes to the bill, but cannot introduce entirely new provisions that were not present in either the House or Senate versions. The conference committee must then submit a conference report detailing the compromise version of the bill, which must be approved by both chambers before being sent to the President.
• Analyze the role of the conference committee process in the overall legislative process, and how it contributes to the system of checks and balances between the House and Senate.
  • The conference committee process is a crucial part of the legislative process, as it allows the House and Senate to resolve their differences and create a final bill that can be enacted into law. By requiring both chambers to approve the compromise version of the bill, the conference committee process serves as a check on the power of each chamber, ensuring that neither the House nor the Senate can unilaterally impose its will. This system of checks and balances helps to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, and ensures that legislation reflects a broad consensus among the elected representatives in Congress. The conference committee process therefore plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of power between the legislative branches and upholding the principles of democratic governance.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A bicameral legislature is a legislative body that consists of two chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress which is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Reconciliation Process: The reconciliation process is a set of congressional procedures that allow certain budgetary legislation to be passed with a simple majority in the Senate, rather than the usual 60-vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster.

Joint Committee: A joint committee is a congressional committee that includes members from both the House and the Senate, and is often used to conduct investigations or oversee government agencies.