What is a conference committee tasked with in the legislative process?

A conference committee plays a crucial role in the legislative process by serving as a mechanism to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of a particular bill. When both chambers pass similar but differing legislation, a conference committee is formed, composed of members from both the House and the Senate. This committee's primary objective is to negotiate the specific terms and provisions of the bill, aiming to produce a unified version that can be presented for final approval in both chambers.

This process is essential for ensuring that both the House and Senate agree on the same language before the bill can be sent to the President for enactment. The work of a conference committee helps streamline legislation and facilitates cooperation between the two houses of Congress, ultimately contributing to the legislative efficiency necessary for governance.