How a Bill Becomes Law

Types of Bills Of the more than 10,000 bills introduced each congressional term, only several hundred become law. Bills fall into two categories: Private bills concern individual people or places. Public bills apply to the entire nation and involve general matters like taxation, civil rights, and terrorism.

Types of Bills Congress also considers different kinds of resolutions, or formal statements expressing lawmakers’ opinions or decisions. Many resolutions do not have the force of law. Joint resolutions are passed by both houses of Congress and do become law if they are signed by the president. Ideas for bills come from members of Congress, citizens, and the White House.

From Bill to Law Other bills are suggested by special-interest groups, or organizations of people with some common interest who try to influence government decisions. Only senators and representatives may introduce a bill in Congress.

From Bill to Law Every bill is given a title and number, and is then sent to an appropriate standing committee. The committee chairperson decides which bills get ignored and which get studied. Those that merit attention are often researched by a subcommittee. Experts and citizens may voice opinions about a bill in public hearings or written statements.

From Bill to Law Standing committees can: Pass the bill without change Mark changes and suggest that the bill be passed Replace the bill with an alternative Pigeonhole the bill (ignore it and let it die) Kill the bill by majority vote.

From Bill to Law When a committee is against a bill, it almost never becomes law. Bills approved in committee are put on the schedules to be considered by the full House or Senate. The Senate usually takes up bills in the order listed. In the House, the Rules Committee can give priority to some bills and not let others get to the floor.

From Bill to Law When bills reach the floor, members debate the pros and cons. The House accepts only relevant amendments. The Senate allows riders-completely unrelated amendments-to be tacked onto the bill. The House Rules Committee puts time limits on the discussion. Senators may speak as long as they like and need not even address the topic at hand. Sometimes they filibuster, or talk a bill to death.

From Bill to Law A three-fifths vote for cloture can end a filibuster. In a simple voice vote, those in favor say “Yea” and those against say “No.” In a standing vote, those in favor stand to be counted, and then those against stand. The House uses a computerized voting system that records each representative’s vote.

From Bill to Law Senators voice their votes in turn as an official records them in a roll-call vote. A simple majority of members present passes a bill. After passing one house, the bill then goes to the other. If either house rejects the bill, it dies.

From Bill to Law Both houses must pass an identical bill. If either changes the bill it receives from the other house, a conference committee is formed to work out the differences. The House and Senate must either accept the revised bill as is or completely reject it. After a bill passes both houses, it goes to the president.

From Bill to Law The president may: Sign the bill into law. Veto-refuse to sign-the bill Do nothing for 10 days. After 10 days, if Congress is in session, the bill becomes law without the president’s signature; if Congress is adjourned, the bill dies.

From Bill to Law Killing the bill this way is called a pocket veto. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote of each house.