1. How a Bill becomes a Law

2. A Bill is Drafted
This can be done by a member of Congress, a person in the Executive Branch, or even an outside group or citizen

3. Introduced to the House
Only members of the House can introduce bills

4. Sent to Committee Sent here by the Speaker of the House

5. Committee Action
Most bills die here; Can be pigeonholed, tabled, amended or voted on.

6. Rules Committee
If voted on, this committee decides the guidelines for this bill and when the debate on this issue/bill will take place

7. Floor Action
The House debates the bill; may add amendments- if majority votes in favor it goes to the Senate

8. Repeat the Entire Process in the Senate

9. If either chamber objects to changes or elements of the bill, it goes to a Conference Committee where members from both houses work out a compromise

10. Vote on a Compromise
Both houses must approve changes; if approved the bill moves on, if not it goes back to committee

11. Presidential Action The President may sign (approve) or veto (reject) it
If he signs it- the Bill becomes a law
If he vetoes it- it can still become a law if 2/3 of both houses vote to override the veto