How a bill becomes a law
Thousands of bills are introduced each Congress, but only a small share become law.
Committees
A bill is introduced by a member and sent to a standing committee, a permanent panel focused on an area such as agriculture or armed services. Committees and subcommittees hold hearings, amend the bill in a 'markup', and decide whether to send it to the full chamber. Most bills die in committee.
Floor action
In the House, the Rules Committee sets the terms of debate. In the Senate, debate is more open, and a senator can filibuster, extending debate to block a vote; ending a filibuster takes cloture, usually 60 votes. If the two chambers pass different versions, a conference committee or further negotiation produces a single text both must pass.
The president's role
The president can sign the bill into law or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. If the president does nothing for ten days (excluding Sundays) while Congress is in session, the bill becomes law; if Congress adjourns in that time, the bill dies, a 'pocket veto'.
Flashcard
A permanent committee handling a policy area
Check your understanding
A group of senators keeps debating to stop a bill from reaching a vote. Ending this usually requires: