How a Bill Becomes a Law “There are two things you shouldn’t see being made: sausages and laws.”

What is a bill? A bill is a written idea for a law.A bill is a written idea for a law. A bill can be started in either house of Congress, except revenue bills.A bill can be started in either house of Congress, except revenue bills. Since both houses must pass a bill, only 3% of all bills become laws.Since both houses must pass a bill, only 3% of all bills become laws. It is a very long, involved process. Why is it that way?It is a very long, involved process. Why is it that way?

House of Origin Bill is introduced. Gets numbered.Gets numbered. Gets a reading.Gets a reading. Only a member of Congress may submit a bill. But any citizen can suggest a bill to him/her.

Bill goes to committee. Because there is so much to do, the work of Congress is divided up.

What are some committees? AppropriationsAppropriations BudgetBudget Armed ServicesArmed Services LaborLabor Foreign AffairsForeign Affairs JudiciaryJudiciary Where money is spentWhere money is spent How money is spentHow money is spent Defense, militaryDefense, military Working conditions…Working conditions… Relations with other countriesRelations with other countries Courts, impeachmentCourts, impeachment

Leaders of committees are very powerful members of Congress. Who are the chairpersons? Two key qualifications: Member of majority party.Member of majority party. Seniority.Seniority.

Bill goes to committee. Bill is considered by a subcommittee. Because there is so much to do, the work of Congress is divided up.

What happens in a subcommittee? It is where it is investigated most thoroughly.It is where it is investigated most thoroughly. It is here where it lives or dies. This is the most critical stage.It is here where it lives or dies. This is the most critical stage. A bill may be in subcommittee from 6 months to a full year.A bill may be in subcommittee from 6 months to a full year.

No Goes back to writer… Yes Whole committee votes Full house for vote Put on calendar Must be a quorum present (majority)

No Goes back to committee… Yes Full house To pass a bill a mere majority is required They can debate and vote on amendments * Final version of bill

No Yes They too must pass it for it to become a law! Goes to other house for its consideration *

What are some of the things people do in all this? First of all, each house has leadership positions to guide legislation.First of all, each house has leadership positions to guide legislation. Since there are so many members of Congress and so much needs to get done, these people are very powerful!Since there are so many members of Congress and so much needs to get done, these people are very powerful!

Who are they? House House The SpeakerThe Speaker Majority LeaderMajority Leader Minority LeaderMinority Leader Majority WhipMajority Whip Minority WhipMinority Whip Dennis Hastert (R-Il)Dennis Hastert (R-Il) Tom DeLay (R-Tx)Tom DeLay (R-Tx) Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca)Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca) Roy Blunt (R-Mn)Roy Blunt (R-Mn) Steny Hoyer (D-Md)Steny Hoyer (D-Md)

Who are they? Senate Senate The PresidentThe President Pres Pro TempPres Pro Temp Majority LeaderMajority Leader Minority LeaderMinority Leader Dick Cheney (V.P.)Dick Cheney (V.P.) Ted Stevens (R-Ak)Ted Stevens (R-Ak) Bill Frist (R-Tn)Bill Frist (R-Tn) Tom Daschle (D-SD)Tom Daschle (D-SD)

Debate in the House Dictated by the Speaker and the Rules Committee.Dictated by the Speaker and the Rules Committee. Procedures for debate and amendments is much more strict and limited.Procedures for debate and amendments is much more strict and limited.

Debate in the Senate The Senate is considered “the most deliberative body in the world.”The Senate is considered “the most deliberative body in the world.” This means they feel that if a law is to be as good as it must be, then all the talking about it should be allowed, without limit, before it is considered for a vote.This means they feel that if a law is to be as good as it must be, then all the talking about it should be allowed, without limit, before it is considered for a vote.

Debate in the Senate What do you think a clever Senator might do, then, if he doesn’t like a bill and knows he is in the minority?What do you think a clever Senator might do, then, if he doesn’t like a bill and knows he is in the minority? He can filibuster!He can filibuster!

If the bill passes both houses… Then it goes to the president’s desk! Then it goes to the president’s desk! There, four things can happen…

If the bill passes both houses… And if, if by chance, the president signs it, And if, if by chance, the president signs it, then… then… Oh boy oh boy oh boy…

Congratulations, Bill, you’re now a Law!