How A Bill Becomes A Law

Question 0

Referral to Committee

Answer 0

Committee holds hearings and may change the bill
If approved, bill goes to the rules committee
90% of all bills are killed in the committee

Question 1

Introduction of a bill

Answer 1

Any bill may be introduced by any congress man

• Senate bill is announced orally
• HofR bill is placed in a basket called the hopper

Question 2

Rules Committee

Answer 2

Places bill on its calendar for discussion by the entire house

Question 3

Action in the Originating House

Answer 3

The bill is debated and may pass as it is or may change

It then goes to the other house

Question 4

Action in the Second House

Answer 4

The bill is introduced 
Goes to committee 
Placed on calendar 
Debates
If other  house passes a different version it goes to a reference committee

Question 5

Conference Committee

Answer 5

If the conference committee members compromise, the bill is sent back to both houses

Question 6

Back to Both Houses

Answer 6

If both houses pass the compromise bill, it goes to the president for his signature

Question 7

Presidential Action

Answer 7

If the president signs it, it becomes a law

If he vetoes it, Congress may pass a bill by 2/3 of the senate

Question 8

Extra

Answer 8

If the president holds a bill for 10 days but doesn’t sign it., it becomes a law without his signature
If congress is not in session, the bill is killed