How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Senate

House

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

Committee Action

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.

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

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

Floor Action

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.

Conference Actions

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

Senate votes on compromised bill.

House votes on compromised bill.

Pass: Approved Bill Sent to President

President vetoes bill or uses a "pocket veto".

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

OR

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