Question

If the bill passes both chambers of Congress but are not identical, what is done next?

a. A joint committee is formed to make the bills identical
b. A standing committee is formed to make the bills identical
c. A conference committee is formed to make the bills identical
d. A select committee is formed to make the bills identical

Answer 1

A conference committee is formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill to create a unified version that can be voted on again by both chambers before it goes to the President.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a bill passes both chambers of Congress but the versions are not identical, the next step is to form a conference committee. This is a temporary panel that is specifically created to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill. Members of this committee, usually senior members from the original standing committees from each chamber, negotiate a compromise that both the House and Senate can accept without further amendments. This reconciled bill, often referred to as a conference report, then goes back to each chamber for a final vote. Once approved, it can proceed to the President's desk for signature or veto.