A Bill Becomes A Law House of Representatives

A Bill Becomes A Law House of Representatives Senate

What is a Bill? A bill is Congress’s first step toward making a law.

Proposing a Bill Before a bill can be introduced someone must come up with the idea.

Where do ideas for bills come from? • Congress members • Congressional staff • Citizens • Lobbyist • President

Introducing Bills can be introduced in either the House or the Senate

Introduction: House of Representatives • Proposed bills are written and dropped in a hopper. Then, they are given a number (HR 123).

Assignment to Committee • May be pigeon-holed • Researched and studied • Sometimes sent to subcommittee

Assignment to Committee • Hearings are held for the public. Lobbyists testify. • Must be approved by the majority of the committee • 95% of bills DIE in Com.

Floor (full house) • Read and debated (amendments made) • Debate is limited • Sent to Senate (if House passes by majority vote)

Sent to Senate Introduction • Written and announced to Senate • Given a number (S 321)

Senate Sends Bill to Committee • May be pigeon-holed • Researched and studied. • Sometimes sent to subcommittee

Senate Sends Bill to Committee • Must be approved by the majority of the committee • 95% of bills die in committee

Senate Floor (full Senate) • Read and debated • Unlimited debate(filibuster) • Must be passed by majority vote

Joint Conference Committee • Members from each house meet and resolve differences (COMPROMISE) • Revised bill is sent back to houses for further review

Final Approval • Both houses VOTE on the compromise

President- Is it a law? The President can: • Sign the bill into a law • Veto • Pocket Veto (in 10 days bill dies if Congress ends, it passes if Congress stays in session)