1. From Bill to Law
Sam Weber

2. Drafting a Bill Who can draft a bill? Citizens Members of congress
The president
Special interest groups
Resolutions – a statement made by congress that can have the power of a law

3. Legislative Process

4. Introducing a Bill *First Reading*
Only elected members of Congress can introduce a bill
Each branch of Congress has different means of introducing a bill
House Senate
Dropped in Hopper Read verbally

5. The Hopper

6. Committee Action
Speaker of the House or presiding officer in the Senate assigns the bill to a Committee of Congress
Bills may be referred to more than one committee and it may be split so that parts are sent to different committees.
Can be pigeonholed which is the failure to act on a bill in one session (1 year), equivalent to killing it
Bill will be adjusted by committee before full house debate.
*Second Reading*

7. Floor Action
Calendar
The bill is placed on either the House Calendar (House of Rep.) or Legislative Calendar (Senate)
Bills are brought to floor when deemed necessary

8. Floor Action Debate House
Debate is limited by the rules formulated in the Rules Committee.
The Committee of the Whole debates and amends the bill
No riders are allowed
First quorum call (to check attendance), then vote once everybody is present

9. Floor Action Debate Senate
Debate is unlimited unless cloture is invoked.
Members can speak as long as they want
Riders allowed
Unless cloture is invoked, Senators can use a filibuster to defeat a measure by "talking it to death.”

10. Floor Action *Third Reading* Vote Must pass by simple majority
4 means of voting:
Voice vote
Roll call vote
Record vote
Standing vote

11. Conference Committee
A committee of the Congress appointed by the House of Representatives and Senate to resolve disagreements on a particular bill.
The committee is usually made up of senior members who are appointed by the officers of the committee that originally dealt with the bill.
Establish a compromise

12. Presidential Action President signs it and the bill becomes law
Bill becomes law if not signed by President in 10 days.
Veto
Sent back to congress to be voted on again. Requires 2/3 majority vote to pass
Pocket Veto
Congress adjourns before the 10 days and President has not signed

13. Sources
My Notes