How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law Mr. Marinello * US Government

The Bill is WrittenAnyone can generate the ideas that become billsInterest groupsCitizensThe PresidentMembers of CongressBills are written by members of CongressOnly members of Congress can introduce billsAssigned a bill numberHR 100Assigned to Sub-CommitteeEach Chamber has committees22 in the House15 in the SenateEach committee has sub-committeesBills are referred to sub-committeesHearings are heldVoted onReferred to the whole committeeVoted on by CommitteeAfter reviewing the information from the sub-committee, the whole committee votes.This step is seen as a key hurdle for the billIt can be passed by the committee It can die in committeeNever be brought to a committee voteThe Importance of CommitteesCommittees are the work horses of Congress.All legislation passes through them before becoming lawMembers of Congress can make a name for themselves through their committees. Committee assignments are decided by leadership. HouseAfter the bill is out of committee it is referred to the Rules Committee.Sets the terms of the debate. Refers to full HouseSenateThere is no equivalent committee in the Senate.The bill is simply referred to the whole chamber.Floor DebateThe bill is debated and amended by the process that is specific to each chamber.In the House there is a limited amount of debateIn the Senate there is technically, unlimited debateFilibuster Longest filibuster Strom Thurmond (D-SC) 24 hours, 18 minutes Civil Rights BillApproved by both HousesOnce the House or Senate approved a bill it is referred to the other chamberIf either chamber passes a bill that is different from the other, the differences must be reconciled. Conference CommitteeEach chambers leadership appoints Conferees The goal of this committee is to make sure the two bills have identical language. Refer the bill back to each chamberVoted on by Both HousesEach chamber takes up the conference billThey must pass the bills in order for it to move forwardThis way one bills comes out of the CongressReferred to the PresidentPresidential ApprovalThe President can either sign the law.Or veto it.

Veto OverrideIf the Congress disagrees with President it can vote to override his veto.2/3 vote of each house.Then the bill becomes a law.