A Bill Becomes A Law House of Representatives Senate

What is a Bill? A bill is what a proposed law is called.

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

Step 2 Introducing Bill Bills can be introduced in either the House or the Senate

House of Representatives Proposed bills are written and dropped in a hopper. Then, they are given a number (HR123).

Step 3 Assignment to Committee Researched and studied Sometimes sent to subcommittee May be pigeon-holed

Step 3 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 committee.

Step 4 Floor (full house) Read and debated (amendments made) Debate is limited Sent to Senate (if House passes by majority vote)

Step 5 Sent to Senate Introduction Written and announced to Senate Given a number (S321)

Step 6 Senate Sends Bill to Committee Researched and studied. Sometimes sent to subcommittee May be pigeon-holed

Step 6 (cont.) Senate Sends Bill to Committee Must be approved by the majority of the committee 95% of bills die in committee

Step 7 Senate Floor (full Senate) Read and debated Unlimited debate (filibuster) Must be passed by majority vote

Step 8 Joint Conference Committee Members from each house meet and resolve differences (COMPROMISE) Revised bill is sent back to houses for further review

Step 9 Final Approval Both houses VOTE on the compromise

Step 10 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 is in session)

Step 11 Override Veto 2/3 vote by Both houses needed to override veto