How a Bill becomes a Law Committee A

How a Bill becomes a Law!!

Committee A small group of legislators who specialize on one issue. (see p. 143)

House of Representatives 1. Introduction of Bill by a representative HI! Bill

House of Representatives 2. Speaker of the House (or majority leader) sends the bill to the proper committee

House of Representatives 3. The committee holds hearings on the bill and may amend, rewrite, or approve the bill.

House of Representatives 4. The Committee may assign the bill to a smaller sub-committee to work on the bill.

House of Representatives 5. If approved, the bill goes onto the House calendar.

House of Representatives 6. House floor (all members) debates the bill.

House of Representatives 6. House floor (all members) debates the bill. The House: amends it, sends it back to committee, or votes -if approved the bill goes to the Senate

Senate 1. Introduction of Bill by a senator

Senate 2. Presiding officer of the Senate sends the bill to the proper committee

Senate 3. The committee holds hearings on the bill and may amend, rewrite, or approve the bill.

Senate 4. If approved, the bill goes onto the Senate calendar.

Senate 5. Senate floor debates the bill. The Senate amends it, sends it back to committee, or votes on it.

Senate 6. A filibuster may occur during floor debate. A filibuster is a speech of unlimited length that stops the business of the Senate. Blah, Blah…

Senate 7. If approved, but the bill is different from the House bill it is sent to a conference committee

Conference Committee 1. Creates compromise bill out of the two different versions. Let’s make a deal!

Conference Committee 1. The new bill is then sent back through both houses of Congress for approval.

The President If the bill is approved by both houses, it is sent to the president.

The President Bill is passed OK!!

The President Bill is passed • Sign into law • Let sit on desk 10 days (passes without signature)

The President Vetoes! No Way!!!

The President Vetoes! • Veto • Pocket Veto - Let sit on desk 10 days and within those 10 days Congress adjourns

Summary Write a detailed paragraph explaining how a bill becomes a law. Be sure to include both houses, committee work and the president.

How a Bill becomes a Law!!