A bill becomes an act (law) after it goes through several legislative steps, including drafting, introduction, committee review, voting in both chambers of Congress, and then being sent to the President for approval. If the President signs the bill or takes no action for ten days while Congress is in session, the bill becomes law. 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.
Key Steps for a Bill to Become an Act
- Drafting and Introduction: A bill is drafted by a member of Congress and introduced in either the House or Senate.
- Committee Review: The bill is referred to relevant committees for study, hearings, and possible changes.
- Voting: Both chambers of Congress (House and Senate) must pass the bill in identical form.
- Presidential Action: The bill is sent to the President who may:
- Sign the bill into law.
- Take no action for 10 days while Congress is in session, in which case the bill becomes law automatically.
- Veto the bill. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
- A pocket veto can occur if the President takes no action and Congress adjourns within 10 days, killing the bill.
Thus, a bill officially becomes an act when the President signs it or when Congress overrides a veto or the bill automatically becomes law after the President's inaction during a session.
