How a Bill Becomes Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law

The Six Steps... • There are six steps that a bill has to go through to become a law: 1. introduce the bill 2. go to committee 3. go to the floor 4. go to conference committee 5. go to the president 6. sign into law – hooray!

Bills Introduced 10,238 Referred to Committee 10,178 Reported by Committee 1,205 Passed One Chamber 1,184 Passed Both Chambers 667 Passed Into Law 590

Introduce Legislation • Anybody can come up with an idea, but only a Senator or Representative can officially introduce it. • Brought to committee by presiding officer • Assigned a number (ex. S.123)

Introduce Legislation • Anybody can come up with an idea, but only a Senator or Representative can officially introduce it. • Brought to committeethe “S” stands what by Can you guess for? presiding officer • Assigned a number (ex. S.123)

Introduce Legislation • Anybody can come up with an idea, but only a Senator or Representative can officially introduce it. Senate! Bills that • Brought to committeestart in the House by presiding officer start with “HR.” • Assigned a number (ex. S.123)

Committee Action • Depending on the subject, it’s sent to appropriate committee • Bill may be split and sent to more than one committee • Committee can table it or send to floor

Floor Action • Moves to floor of Senate or HOR, where members debate the bill. • If the bill passes, then it’s sent to the house that hasn’t seen it yet. • If the two houses disagree, the bill is sent to conference committee.

Conference Committee • Members from each house (HOR & Senate) gather to try and compromise on bill. • If bill is finally approved, it’s sent to the President.

President • Pres. can do three things… – Sign the bill, OR wait 10 days while Congress is in session – bill becomes law.

President • Pres. can do three things… – A pocket veto - wait 10 days until Congress not in session, and the bill fails.

President • Pres. can do three things… – veto – which Congress can override with 2/3 vote.

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How a Bill Becomes Law

by Lina Trullinger

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