How a Bill Becomes Law

1. How a Bill Becomes Law

2. Less than 5% of all bills become laws. Why? • Lawmaking is long and complicated. • There can be up to 100 steps to take to pass a bill into law. Groups that oppose a bill can amend the bill or kill it at many steps along the way. • Because lawmaking has so many steps, sponsors of a bill must be willing to bargain and compromise with lawmakers and interest groups. • Bills that powerful interest groups oppose most likely will not be passed. • Members of Congress may introduce bills they know have no chance of passing just to show their support on an idea or issue to satisfy their constituents or gain media attention. • If Bill does not pass, they can blame other lawmakers and report they took action.

3. How a Bill Becomes A Law SENATE HOUSE Senator is recognized And bill is announced On floor Representative hands Bill to clerk or drops it into “hopper” Bill is given S number Bill is given HR number COMMITTEE ACTION Referred to House Standing Committee Bill placed on Committee Calendar Referred to Senate Standing Committee Referred to House Subcommittee; ruled on Bill sent to subcommittee For hearings/revisions Referred to Senate Subcommittee Rules set for debate And amendments Standing Comm. can recommend passage or Kill bill Reported on by Standing Committee

4. COMMITTEE ACTION • In each house of Congress, the new bills are sent to the committees that deal with their subject matter. • The committee can (under the leadership of the chairperson): • Ignore the bill and simply let it die. This is called “pigeon-holing”. • Kill a bill by majority vote. • Recommend the bill be adopted without changes. • Rewrite the bill (amend) • Once the Committee decides to act, they will hold hearings to listen to testimony on those who are interested in the bill, experts, etc. so they can gather information. • After the hearings, they decide what, if any changes are needed on the bill. • They then decide to kill it or “report” it—(send it back to House or Senate with report which gives information on the bill, changes and their opinions)

5. FLOOR ACTION • House debates; votes • Bill passes; goes to • Senate for approval • OR • A different version passes • And goes to committee • Senate debates; votes • 2. Bill passes; goes to • House for approval • OR • A different version passes • And goes to committee CONFERENCE ACTION Conference committee works out differences and send identical Compromised bill to both chambers for final approval House votes on Compromised bill Senate votes on Compromised bill PASS

6. Floor Action • During floor action, the bill receives a second reading of the bill section by section and after each section is read, amendments can be offered. • Opponents of the bill often propose amendments that will slow the bill down or kill it. • Amendments can only be added if the majority of the House or Senate agree. • The bill can now be voted on if a majority (quorum) of members are present. House members vote in three ways: • Voice vote—members call out together “aye” or “no” and the Speaker decides which have most votes • Standing vote—those in favor of the votes are counted • Recorded vote—votes are recorded electronically Senate members vote in three ways: • Voice vote—members call out together “aye” or “no” and the Speaker decides which have most votes • Standing vote—those in favor of the votes are counted • Roll Call—Senators call our “aye” or “no” as their names are called. *Most common

7. PASS APPROVED BILL SENT TO PRESIDENT President signs bill or allows Bill to become law without Signing ** President vetoes bill or PASS VETO Congress can override a veto By 2/3 majority in both chambers If either fails to override The bill dies. LAW