How a Bill Becomes a Law

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

Randy Vice

Introduction of the Bill:

• A bill is introduced by a member of Congress, either in the House of Representatives or the Senate.

• In the House, bills are numbered starting with "H.R." (House of Representatives) followed by a number. In the Senate, they are numbered starting with "S."

Committee Consideration:

• The bill is referred to a committee for review. Each chamber has various committees with jurisdiction over specific policy areas.

• Committees hold hearings, debate the bill, and may make amendments.

Subcommittee Review:

• In some cases, the bill is sent to a subcommittee for a more detailed review and analysis.

Committee Vote:

• The committee votes on whether to send the bill to the full chamber. If the majority of the committee members approve, the bill moves forward.

Floor Consideration:

• The bill is scheduled for debate and voting by the full chamber. Members of the chamber can propose further amendments during this stage.

Vote:

• The bill is put to a vote. If a majority of the members present and voting support the bill, it passes in that chamber.

Conference Committee (if applicable):

• If the House and Senate pass different versions of the bill, a conference committee is appointed to reconcile the differences.

Final Approval:

• The revised bill is sent back to both chambers for final approval.

Presidential Action:

• If both chambers agree on the final version, the bill is sent to the President.

• The President can either sign the bill into law or veto it. If the President vetoes the bill, it goes back to Congress. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate.

Law:

• If the President signs the bill or if Congress overrides a veto, the bill becomes law and is assigned a public law number.