The step-by-step process of how a bill becomes a law in the US federal system, from introduction to presidential signature or veto.
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- What is the first step when a legislator wants to introduce a bill?
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The legislator sponsors the bill and it receives a bill number- Can a bill start in either the House or Senate?
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Yes, except revenue bills must start in the House- What happens to a bill immediately after it is introduced?
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It is sent to a committee- What is the main job of a legislative committee?
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To study the bill, debate it, propose amendments, and vote on it- What happens to a bill if a committee votes against it?
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The bill dies in committee and goes no further- If a committee approves a bill, what happens next?
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The bill goes to the floor of that chamber for full debate and vote- What is required for a bill to pass a chamber of Congress?
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A simple majority vote (more than half of the members present)- After a bill passes in one chamber, where does it go?
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To the other chamber (House or Senate)- What happens if the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?
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The bill goes to a conference committee to resolve the differences- What is the main purpose of a conference committee?
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To create a compromise version of the bill that both chambers can accept- After the conference committee reaches a compromise, what must happen?
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Both the House and Senate must vote on the compromise version- Where does a bill go after it passes both chambers of Congress?
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To the President- What happens when the President signs a bill?
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The bill becomes a law- What is a veto?
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The President's rejection of a bill, sending it back to Congress- What does a pocket veto mean?
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The President refuses to sign a bill and Congress adjourns before 10 days pass
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