1. How a Bill Becomes a Law

2. House of Representatives
Needs to be drafted
In order to be introduced a bill must have a sponsor in the House
Co-sponsors – representatives who put their name on the bill in support
Introduced to the hopper
Box beside the clerk’s desk
Assigned number that begins with H.R.

3. House of Representatives
Referred to Committee and Sub-Committee
One of two things can happen:
Bill can be marked up and reported out
OR:
Bill can be tabled until it dies
Calendared
Scheduled for debate
Bill read on the floor and debated on the wording
Including any amendments that must be made

4. House of Representatives
Put to a full vote
“Engrossed” or modified bill is then sent to a CONFERENCE committee
Voted on by BOTH Houses of Congress

5. Senate
Almost exact copy of what happens in House of Reps w/one important change
During floor reading , Senators opposed to bill can filibuster
Filibuster – action to prevent voting on a bill
Senators can talk for as long as they want on any topic they choose
Can lead to a canceled bill to keep Senate moving

6. President
Once a bill has been agree on by conference committee, its sent to the president
One of two choices:
Sign the bill into law OR
Veto the bill
Check on legislative branch

7. In Case of a Veto…
2/3rds vote of Congress is necessary to override a veto by the president
If this happens, the bill still becomes a law
If not, bill dies

9. 6% Chance!