What distinguishes a joint committee?

• A. Combines members from both houses.
• B. Is permanent.
• C. Is temporary.
• D. Resolves bill differences.

Answer: (A)

Joint committees are formed to include members from both houses of Congress, allowing senators and representatives to work together on issues that involve the full legislature. This cross-chamber membership is the defining feature, since many other committees stay within a single house. Some joint committees are permanent, while others are created for a specific purpose, so being permanent isn’t what sets them apart. Resolving differences between bills is the job of conference committees, not all joint committees. So the key idea is that a joint committee brings together members from both chambers.