Page "State legislature (United States)" Paragraph 22

A conference committee is often empaneled to discusses the points of difference between the two houses ' versions of the same bill, and tries to reach an agreement between them so that the identical bill can be passed by both houses.

If an agreement is reached and if both houses adopt the conference committee's report, the bill is passed.

If either house refuses to adopt the report of the conference committee, a motion may be made for further conference.

If a conference committee is unable to reach an agreement, it may be discharged, and a new conference committee may be appointed.

Some highly controversial bills may be referred to several different conference committees.

If an agreement is never reached in conference prior to the end of the legislative session, the bill is lost.