Final answer:
A standing committee is a permanent committee in Congress, responsible for handling proposed bills and setting the legislative agenda, whereas a special committee is temporary, created for specific purposes such as investigations or studying national issues.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option "It is a permanent committee."
Step-by-step explanation:
A "standing" committee differs from a "special" committee in that it is a permanent committee.
Standing committees play a central role in the legislative process, being the first to handle proposed bills and having the jurisdiction over particular subjects within Congress.
These committees are responsible for the thorough examination and initial approval of legislation, setting the congressional agenda through their work. Considering the provided options, the correct answer is that it is a permanent committee.
Special or select committees, on the other hand, are temporary and are typically established to conduct special investigations or study issues of national importance, but do not have permanent status and require congressional approval to exist each year.