The Legislative Branch! The Legislative Branch!

Primary job of Congress is… to pass legislation.

The Number of Bills that Become Laws (from the 10nd Congress) 10,238 Bills introduced 10,178 Bills referred to committee 1,025 Bills discharged by committee 1,201 to be considered on the floor 1,184 passed one chamber 667 passed both chambers 590 became Public Laws

A Bill is introduced into the House A bill, proposed by a Representative is placed in the “Hopper”. Step 1 A Bill Becomes A Law

A Bill is Read for the 1st time The clerk assigns the bill a number (Ex: “HR5309” or “S4679”), and gives it a short title. It is then printed and given to all Representatives. Step 2 A Bill Becomes A Law

A There are 4 types of Bills: Bill- A proposed law which applies to the entire nation. A Bill Becomes A Law Joint Resolution- A proposal that has the force of law when passed. Concurrent Resolution - A statement of a position of an issue. Does not have the force of law. Resolution- A measure which only applies in one house and does not have the force of law.

A Bill is assigned to a committee. The committee sifts through many of the bills and reports on those they find worthy of consideration on the floor. The fate of most bills is decided upon in committee. Step 3 A Bill Becomes A Law

If the committee does wish to consider the bill, it may be assigned to a subcommittee. The subcommittee may wish to investigate, hold hearings, gather information, or may take a junket to find out more information. Step 4 A Bill Becomes A Law

After investigations, and if the subcommittee wishes the bill to continue, it is then sent back to the original committee. Step 5 A Bill Becomes A Law

Report the bill favorably- with a “do pass” recommendation. Refuse to report- this is to “pigeonhole” or take no action on the bill. (this happens to most bills) Report in amended form - Combining several relating bills into one new bill. Report with an unfavorable recommendation- this does not happen often Report a committee bill- an entirely new bill created by the committee. Committee Actions:

If the committee approves, it is sent back to the House and is scheduled for debate. There are five different types of calendars in the House, depending on the type of bill, determines which calendar it goes to. Step 6 A Bill Becomes A Law

If it reaches the floor, the discussion or debate begins. Afterwards, a vote is held. There are five different types of calendars in the House, depending on the type of bill, determines which calendar it goes to. Step 7 A Bill Becomes A Law

If it reaches the floor, the discussion or debate begins, on it’s scheduled day. Afterwards, a vote is held. If approved, it is sent to the Senate. Once the bill has been approved, it is engrossed or printed in it’s final form. Step 8 A Bill Becomes A Law

Our Bill is now introduced into the Senate and read for the first time. Step 9 A Bill Becomes A Law

A Bill is assigned to a committee and a subcommittee if further investigation is needed. Step 10 A Bill Becomes A Law

If the committee approves, it is sent back to the Senate floor and is scheduled for debate. Step 11 A Bill Becomes A Law

If it reaches the floor, the discussion or debate begins, on it’s scheduled day. Afterwards, a vote is held. Step 12 A Bill Becomes A Law

If the bill is unchanged and approved,it is sent to the President. If the bill is changed but approved, it is then sent to a conference committee. Step 13 A Bill Becomes A Law A conference committee is made of members of the House and Senate. Here, they resolve the differences of the bill.

The bill is sent from conference committee, and sent before the House and Senate for final approval. Step 14 A Bill Becomes A Law Once the bill has been approved, it is the sent to the President.

The President receives the bill. He can then sign, veto, not act upon the bill, or use a pocket veto. Step 15 A Bill Becomes A Law If the bill is signed, it becomes a law.