How a Bill Becomes a Law The Beginning

How a Bill Becomes a Law

The Beginning § A bill is a proposed law. § The majority of bills originate in the executive branch. § Only members can introduce bills.

Types of Bills § Public bills apply to the nation § Private bills apply to certain people or places

The First Reading § The bill is introduced and given a number based on when and where it originated. Ex. H. R. 234 or S. 167 § The bill is given a title and then published in the Journal. § The bill is then referred to the appropriate committee.

The Bill in Committee § Committees look through the bills and decide which ones are worthy of further debate. § Majority are pigeonholed where they “die. ”

Committee Actions § Committees pass along the bills to subcommittees. § 1. report the bill favorably § 2. refuse to report the bill § 3. report the bill in amended form § 4. report the bill unfavorably § 5. Report a committee bill

The Bill on the Floor § The bill receives its second reading. § The bill is then debated § Voting on the bill and all the amendments then takes place. § Voices vote are most common § Since 1973 HOR members can vote electronically

Final Steps § After being approved a bill is engrossedprinted in its final form. § It is read a third time and then it is placed on the President of the Senate’s desk.

The Bill in the Senate § There is no limit to debate in the Senate. § A filibuster is an attempt to talk a bill to death. § Cloture- 60 senators can kill a debate.

The President Acts § The President then signs or vetoes the bill.