4-6: Legislative Process

Overview Thousands of bills introduced each year 2%-3% pass Legislative process deliberately lengthy, fragmented, and difficult to compromise Role of the President Approximately 5,000 bills are introduced to Congress each year, while only about 125 are passed into law. The bicameral Congress and its complex committee system present a formidable series of legislative obstacles that defeat most bills. The House and Senate have parallel processes with regard to the manner in which bills are drafted, debated, and passed. Logrolling is a tactic used by legislators for mutual aid and vote trading. Congressmen vote for casework projects that benefit others’ districts in the hopes that the favor will someday be returned. Presidents have their own legislative agenda, based in part on their party’s platform and their electoral coalition. The president’s task is to persuade Congress that his agenda should also be Congress’ agenda. By going to the media to gain public support, the president can influence Congress to adopt his legislative goals.

Bills Most originate in executive branch Many written by interest groups Must be introduced by a congressman

Committee Action Assigned to a committee Bulk of work done in committees Research, hearings If acceptable, sent to full floor

Floor Action House of Representatives Senate Scheduled by Speaker Strict time limits Debate and vote Senate Scheduled by Majority Leader Ability to filibuster Blocks a vote by never ending debate Requires 60% cloture vote

Voting Simple majority vote needed If a Senate filibuster occurs, then a 3/5 majority is needed If passed, then sent to other chamber to begin process again

Conference Committee Works out differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill Comprised of members of original committees If compromise is reached, returned to each chamber for a vote

Presidential Action Signing Veto No Action Signing statements Must veto entire bill and give reasons in writing Bill returned to house of origin Ability to override veto with 2/3 vote in each chamber No Action Automatically becomes law if Congress is in session If Congress in recess, bill does not pass (pocket veto)