Final answer:
Conference committees reconcile differences between versions of a bill, special committees investigate specific issues, and standing committees are permanent legislative bodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conference Committee: A conference committee is a temporary committee composed of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its purpose is to reconcile differences between two versions of a bill passed by both chambers. For example, if the House and Senate pass different versions of a healthcare bill, a conference committee will be formed to negotiate and create a compromise version that can be presented for final approval.
Special (Select) Committees: Special committees are formed for a specific purpose and are usually created to investigate or study a particular issue. These committees are temporary and are dissolved once their purpose is fulfilled. Examples of special committees include the Watergate committee and the 9/11 Commission, which were both created to investigate specific events and provide recommendations for further action.
Standing Committees: Standing committees are permanent committees that are established in the organizational structure of a legislative body. They are responsible for reviewing proposals, conducting hearings, and writing and amending legislation within their assigned area of jurisdiction. Examples of standing committees in the United States Congress include the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Learn more about Types of Committees in a Legislative Body