Starting in the House of Representatives

 It first is written, but it can only be introduced by a member of Congress.

 Once introduced it is first given a number and a short title.

 It is entered into the Journal and the Congressional Record.

 The bill is read out loud in the House. This is its First Reading.

 It is then referred to the appropriate Committee.  If there is no action taken on it, the bill will Die in committee.  What is this term called?  Pigeonholing

 The bill may be referred to a Subcommittee (a small division of the existing committee).  This committee may issue an order to appear call a Subpoena if it wishes to get information from experts.  This committee may take a trip called a Junket to get information first hand.  The subcommittee will report its finding to the full committee

 The full committee then has several options.  A favorable report (we like it)  Refuse to report it (pigeonhole)  Report it amended (changed)  Report it unfavorably (we don’t like it)

 If the full committee decides to report it, the bill will then go to the Rules Committee.  This committee will give the bill a set of rules by which it will be heard.  Limit Debate  Not Allow It To Be Amended  After the rules committee sets the rules it receives its 2 nd Reading.

 The bill is then Debated. It is then possible at this point to amend the bill unless…… WHAT??????????

 It then receives its 3 rd Reading.

 A vote is taken, if it passes it goes to the Senate.  It must pass the senate in the exact same form. However it usually does NOT.

 If it passes the Senate, but not in the exact same form, it must go to a Conference Committee to work out the differences. If a compromise is worked out, it is sent back to both houses.

 If it passes both houses, it then goes to the President.  The President has several options.  A: Sign it into law  B: Veto (reject it)  C: Not sign it but in 10 days it becomes law if Congress is still in session.  D: Pocket Veto (Refuse to sign it or formally veto it, but it dies if Congress adjourns within 10 working days after he receives it.