6 Steps in Bill Becoming 6 Steps in Bill Becoming a Lawa Law

Step 1 - IntroducedStep 1 - Introduced

11stst Reading of bill Reading of billCan only be introduced by member Can only be introduced by member

of Congressof CongressPresident or citizen’s influencePresident or citizen’s influence

Step 2 – Sent to CommitteeStep 2 – Sent to Committee

Workload of Congress occurs in committeesWorkload of Congress occurs in committees Hold Hearings / Research / TestimoniesHold Hearings / Research / Testimonies What happens if bill passes…What happens if bill passes… Markup sessions (changes)Markup sessions (changes) Actions by committee:Actions by committee:

KillKill AmendAmend Pass (goes to step 3)Pass (goes to step 3) Table or IgnoreTable or Ignore

Step 3 – Sent to FloorStep 3 – Sent to Floor

Goes back to entire house Goes back to entire house 22ndnd reading readingHas earned Committee supportHas earned Committee support

Step 4 - DebatedStep 4 - Debated

Senate – filibuster or threat Senate – filibuster or threat Make changes / amendMake changes / amend

Step 5 - VoteStep 5 - Vote

Need a majority to pass (quorum)Need a majority to pass (quorum)Types of Votes:Types of Votes:

VoiceVoiceStandingStandingTellerTellerRecordRecord

Step 6 – Other House / Step 6 – Other House / PresidentPresident

Must pass both houses in the identical Must pass both houses in the identical format before going to Presidentformat before going to President

Presidential Actions on Bill:Presidential Actions on Bill:Sign bill into lawSign bill into lawKeep bill for 10 days – don’t sign – then it Keep bill for 10 days – don’t sign – then it

becomes lawbecomes lawVeto Veto

Goes back to Congress and they can overturn Goes back to Congress and they can overturn Veto by a 2/3 vote Veto by a 2/3 vote