1. 4-6: Legislative Process

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)