How a Bill Becomes a Law

1.) Introuction: Putting a formal proposal of a bill before the House or Senate. 2.) Committee Review: “Marks” up the bill. 3.) Floor Debate and Passage: Must pass both houses and differences must be ironed out in conference (joint) committee. 4.) President Approval: President can either sign or veto the bill.

House of Representatives Senate Bill is introduced and then committee sends it to the proper sub-committee Bill is introduced and then committee sends it to the proper sub-committee Sub-committee: “Marks” up the bill Committee: Moves to the House calendar for debate. Sub-committee: “Marks” up the bill Committee: Moves to the Senate calendar for debate. Rules Committee: Issues rules to govern debate. Full House: Debates the bill and amends bill if necessary. Leadership: Majority and minority leaders schedule senate debate. Full Senate: Debates the bill and amends bill if necessary. Conference Committee: House and Senate compromise on differences. President: Signs or vetoes bill, but Congress can override by 2/3 majority. But the President can protect against the override w/ a pocket veto.