Which committee type cannot hold hearings?

The Conference Committee is primarily tasked with reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of a particular piece of legislation. This committee is temporary and is formed specifically for the purpose of creating a single bill that both chambers can agree on. While Conference Committees do engage in dialogue and negotiation, their procedure does not include formally holding hearings in the same way other committee types do. Hearings typically involve gathering evidence and testimonies regarding legislation, which is not the primary function of a Conference Committee.

In contrast, Joint Committees, Select Committees, and Standing Committees have the authority to hold hearings. Joint Committees encompass members from both the House and Senate and can investigate issues or oversee activities while holding hearings. Select Committees are often established for specific purposes or investigations and can hold hearings to gather information. Standing Committees are permanent fixtures in the legislative process and routinely conduct hearings to examine proposed legislation, review issues, and gather input from the public or experts.