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Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes a Law. Introduction. Ideas for bills come from citizens, President, members of Congress, or special-interest groups Bills may only be introduced/sponsored by a member of Congress. Appropriations bills must start in the House.
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Introduction • Ideas for bills come from citizens, President, members of Congress, or special-interest groups • Bills may only be introduced/sponsored by a member of Congress. • Appropriations bills must start in the House. • Bills are drafted and given a number.
Committee Action • Bill is sent to the appropriate standing committee. • May also be sent to subcommittee • Committees research, revise, and debate bills • Choices: • Reject it immediately • Pigeonhole it • Approve it
Floor Debate • Bill debated in the house that introduced it. • Very strict rules for debate in the House of Representatives. • Fewer rules for debate in the Senate. • Filibuster • Cloture • If approved, the bill goes to the other house for approval.
Conference Committee • Joint committee made up of members from both houses. • Job: Create a compromised version of revised bills. • Both houses must agree on changes.
Presidential Action • Approval: • Sign bill into law • Bill becomes law without signature • Keeps bill for 10 days, Congress IN session • Rejection: • Veto • Pocket veto • Keeps bill for 10 days, Congress NOT in session