The purpose of the conference committee is to

The purpose of conference committee  is to reconcile differences in legislation that has already passed through the chambers.    

Explanation:

The conference committee has members of Senate and House conferees The functioning of the conference committee is exactly like an ad hoc joint committee which is established to settle dissensions and discords that emerge during the passing of identical bills by the Senate and also by the House. The conference committee is responsible for carrying out the drafting of compromises based on the bills presented by both the chambers of the Congress.

the answer is b.2008 and 2012 were presidential election years.

straight down to hell mate