How a Bill Becomes a Law

Conference Actions

Floor Action

Committee Action

Congress can override veto with 2/3 majorities in both chambers. If not, the bill dies!

President vetoes bill or uses a "pocket veto".

President signs bill, or allows bill to become law without signing.

Senate votes on compromised bill.

House votes on compromised bill.

Conference committee works out differences and sends identical compromise bill to both chambers for final approval.

1. Senate debates, votes on passage.
2. Bill passes; goes to House for approval.

OR Different verison passes; goes to conference committee.

1. House debates, votes on passage.
2. Bill passes; goes to Senate for approval.

OR Different verison passes; goes to conference committee.

1. Referred to Senate standing committee.
2. Referred to Senate subcommittee.
3. Reported by standing committee.

1. Referred to House standing committee.
2. Referred to House subcommittee.
3. Reported by standing committee.
4. Rules committee sets rules for debate and ammendments.

Sent to subcommittee for changes. Standing committe may recommend it pass or be killed.

1. Senator announces bill on the floor.
2. Bill given S number

1. Representative hands bill to clerk or drops it in the hopper.
2. Bill given HR number

OR

Pass: Approved Bill Sent to President

Senate

House

How a Bill Becomes a Law