LawCraft

The Lawmaking Process A bill can start in either chamber of Congress, but let’s have ours start in the Senate! Step One: The Proposal A lawmaker writes down an idea. Step Two: The Introduction The bill is read and sent to committee S.357

We need to change that part… The Lawmaking Process A bill changes A LOT between the time it is proposed and when it reaches a final version. Editing and amending is a big part of writing future laws. Step Three: The Report If the committee likes it, it will be sent to the whole Senate. Step Four: The Floor Debate All senators debate whether it should be supported, opposed, or changed. S.357 No way! Love it. Then there is a lot of research, conversation, compromise, and more conversation! We need to change that part…

We need to change that part… S.357 The Lawmaking Process Step Five: The Vote The Senate votes on the bill, requiring a majority to pass. Step Six: The Delivery The bill goes through the same steps in the House of Representatives. No way! Love it. Senate Vote on S.357 59 Yeas 39 Nay 2 Present We need to change that part… Remind students that Step 6 is really the repetition of Steps 2-5, but in the other chamber of Congress. House Vote on S.357 227 Yeas 203 Nay 5 Present

The Lawmaking Process New Law Step Seven: The Vote (Part 2) If both chambers of Congress approve, the bill lands on the president’s desk. If it is signed, it becomes a law. If it is vetoed, it doesn’t.* New Law S.357 Then there is a lot of research, conversation, compromise, and more conversation! *Congress can override a veto if there are enough votes (2/3 of Congress) to do so. The president can also ignore the bill. If a bill is ignored while Congress is in session, it automatically becomes a law after ten days. If Congress is not in session, it doesn't.