1. why are standing committees known as subject matter committees? they create new subjects and thereby new committees. they are only used for current topics and legislation. they handle the three major subjects in american government. they deal with particular policy matters. 2. why is the house committee on rules considered to be so powerful? all new bills must pass through this committee. this is the only committee that can create bills. this committee makes all the rules governing the house’s legislative process. all senate and the house committees report to this committee. 3. what is the difference between joint committees and conference committees? joint committees have members of both houses, while conference committees only include members of the house.