How a Bill Becomes a Law

1. How a Bill Becomes a Law

2. Bill is Introduced -Senator announces bill on the floor -Bill is given S number Bill is Introduced -Representatives drops bill in the hopper -Bill is given HR number 2. Bill is Sent to Committee Bill referred to Senate standing committee Committee Action Bill is place on committee calendar. Committee Chair can pigeonhole (kill the bill) Bill is sent to subcommittee for hearings, revisions Standing committee can recommend passage or kill the bill! 2. Bill is Sent to Committee Bill referred to House standing committee Committee Action Bill is place on committee calendar. Committee Chair can pigeonhole (kill the bill) Bill is sent to subcommittee for hearings, revisions Standing committee can recommend passage or kill the bill! 3. Bill is debated on the floor Bill is debated on Senate floor, if it passes it is sent to House of Reps. During debate Senators can use the filibuster as a method of delaying vote on a bill-a possible way to kill the bill 3. Bill is debated on the floor Bill is debated on House floor; if it passes it is sent to Senate The House: The Senate:

3. 4. Conference Committee 5. Sent to President for Approval Most bills have to go to conference committee to work out differences between the House and Senate versions. This compromise bill is sent back to both chambers of Congress to be voted on again. Yes! President signs bill into law No! Veto-sent back to Congress (2/3 vote necessary to override) Pocket Veto-last 10 days of Congressional session-kills the bill