1. How a Bill Becomes a Law
Class Notes

2. Step 1: Introduce Bill can only be done by a member of Congress
then bill is assigned to a committee

3. Step 2: Standing Committees
relevant committee examines the bill
holds hearings possibly propose changes
Vote:
recommend bill to entire House or Senate OR
bill dies in committee
Chair of every committee is from majority party
have great power, determine bills to be reviewed

4. Step 3: Vote in Both House and Senate
will pass with a simple majority vote
AMENDMENTS CAN BE ADDED

5. Step 4: Conference Committees
resolve differences between House and Senate versions of the bill
(SAME BILL in both houses) voted on again by both House and Senate before going to the President

6. Step 5: President Presented with a Bill Signs the Bill! Veto
becomes a law
Veto
fails to become a law
Congress can override with a 2/3 vote
pocket veto: keeps bill for 10 days, during which time the Congressional Session ends