1. HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

2. 435 100 Senate Standing Committee Standing Committee Hearings Hearings
House of Representatives
Senate
Standing Committee
Standing Committee
Hearings
(Public / Private)
Committee
Action
Hearings
(Public / Private)
Debate, Amend, Vote
Debate, Amend, Vote
Rules Committee
Floor
Action
Full House Floor
(Debate, Amend, Vote)
(Limited according to Rules)
Full Senate Floor
(Debate, Amend, Vote)
(Filibuster / Cloture)
Conference Committee
House Re-Vote
Senate Re-Vote

3. (Limited according to Rules) (Filibuster / Cloture)
Full House Floor
(Debate, Amend, Vote)
(Limited according to Rules)
Full Senate Floor
(Debate, Amend, Vote)
(Filibuster / Cloture)
Conference Committee
House Re-Vote
Senate Re-Vote
President
Sign – bill becomes law
Veto – see below
Do Nothing – see below
Legislation needs a simple majority (50% + 1 vote) to pass each chamber:
House – 218
Senate – 51
Veto
Bill is sent back to the original chamber for a veto over-ride (needs two-thirds vote)
House – 292
Senate – 67
If the president does nothing:
10 Day Waiting Period
Congress in Session – bill becomes law
Congress not in Session – bill dies (pocket veto)

4. Exit Ticket
Why do you think the framers of the Constitution made the process of making laws so difficult?