Embedded Files
Bills
A bill advocates for a specific policy; when passed, it come becomes a law. Bills have five sections that include the same types of information, regardless of the topic of the bill.
Since bills become law upon passage, they need to be specific and well-researched. Bills need to have precise definitions and provisions, and must be within the power of Congress as granted by the Constitution
In Congressional debate, bills are the preferred form of legislation because they offer the most rounds for debate. That said, they also tend to be the most difficult to write because they require specific knowledge and research.
Sample Bill Titles:
A Bill to Legalize Marijuana
A Bill to Create a National School Choice Program
A bill to Guarantee Equal Pay for Equal Work
Bill Format:
The first section states the new policy in a brief declarative sentence (or as few sentences as possible).
The second section defines any terms that might be ambiguous in the first section.
The third and fourth sections detail the agency overseeing the enforcement of the bill, the enforcement mechanism, and the implementation date/timeframe. The List of Federal Agencies is a good resource to help with this part (https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies)
The fifth and final section states that all other laws in conflict with the proposed law will be nullified.
The text of a bill may answer the who, what, where, and how—but it will not answer why. Effective legislators explain the rationale behind the bill in speeches. This is often the catalyst for lively debate.
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