How a Bill Becomes Law

By

Steve Prichard

Five Steps:

A bill is introduced in congress Action is taken by a committee Action is taken by a congressional house The two houses decide on a final bill Action is taken by the President

Now, to explain all of this:

How is a bill introduced in congress?

In the House of Representatives: A bill can be introduced by any member Once proposed, it is given to the Clerk

In the Senate, a Member Must: Be recognized by the Presiding Officer Introduce the bill in the morning

What is meant by a “Committee Action?”

Once proposed, a bill is sent to a committee The committee is assigned by the Speaker in

the House, or By the Presiding officer in the Senate Then, the bill is researched by the committee Once findings are reported, a vote is taken If it passes, a bill is sent to the Floor

What happens next?

On the Floor of the House or Senate, a bill Is put on a schedule for debate When the time comes, the bill is debated Once debate is done, congress votes If it is passed, the bill goes to a conference

committee

Conference Committee

Consists of members of both the House and Senate

Is needed to get one bill from both House and Senate versions

Once a workable bill is made, approval is needed from the House and Senate

If approval is gained, the bill goes to the President

When a Bill is Sent to the President:

He can sign it to make it law, but… He can also Veto the bill

Or Leave It Alone… If not signed after 10 days, it becomes law if

congress is still in session, But it is automatically vetoed if they adjourn

In Case of a Veto:

The bill is sent back to congress The chamber that wrote it can override it, but, To do so requires a 2/3 majority

Finally:

If the President signs a bill or the veto is overridden,

it becomes law!

www.votesmart.org

References:

The End