A bill becomes a law through several key steps in the legislative process:
- Idea and Drafting : The process begins with an idea, which can come from a legislator, citizen, or other sources. The idea is then drafted into a bill by legislative staff or attorneys
- Introduction : The bill is formally introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, where it is assigned a number
- Committee Review : The bill is sent to a relevant committee that specializes in the bill’s subject. The committee studies the bill, holds hearings, and may amend, approve, or reject it. Public input may also be considered during this stage
- Floor Debate and Voting : If the committee approves, the bill goes to the full chamber (House or Senate) for debate and voting. Amendments can be made during this stage. A simple majority vote is required to pass the bill in each chamber (218 of 435 in the House, 51 of 100 in the Senate)
- Other Chamber Consideration : After passing one chamber, the bill moves to the other chamber, where it undergoes a similar process of committee review, debate, and voting
- Conference Committee : If there are differences between the House and Senate versions, a conference committee made up of members from both chambers works out a compromise. The revised bill returns to both chambers for final approval
- Presidential Action : The approved bill is sent to the President, who has several options:
- Sign the bill into law.
- Veto the bill, sending it back to Congress with reasons for rejection.
- Take no action for 10 days while Congress is in session, in which case the bill automatically becomes law.
- If Congress adjourns during the 10 days and the President takes no action, the bill does not become law (pocket veto)
- Overriding a Veto : If the President vetoes the bill, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate, making the bill a law despite the veto
Once all these steps are successfully completed, the bill becomes law and is enforced accordingly
. This process ensures thorough review and debate before a bill becomes a law, balancing input from elected representatives, committees, and the executive branch.
