The process by which a bill becomes a law in the United States generally involves several key steps, which can vary somewhat depending on whether the bill originates in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Here’s an overview of the typical process:
1. Introduction of the Bill
- A bill can be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate by a member of Congress.
- The bill is assigned a number, and its title is read into the Congressional Record.
2. Committee Review
- Once introduced, the bill is referred to a committee that has relevant jurisdiction.
- The committee examines the bill, holds hearings, gathers evidence, and may amend the bill.
- After review, the committee votes on whether to send the bill to the floor of the chamber for debate.
3. Floor Debate
- If the committee approves the bill, it goes to the floor of the House or Senate for debate.
- Members may discuss the bill, propose further amendments, and debate its provisions.
- The bill is usually subject to a time limit for debate.
4. Voting
- Following the debate, the chamber votes on the bill.
- A majority vote is required for the bill to pass. In the House, a simple majority is typically required; in the Senate, there are various voting thresholds depending on the type of bill and the situation (e.g., a filibuster can necessitate a 60% supermajority to end debate on a motion).
5. Other Chamber Consideration
- If the bill passes in one chamber, it is then sent to the other chamber (House or Senate) for consideration.
- The second chamber may repeat the committee review, debate, and voting process.
- If the second chamber makes amendments, the revised bill is sent back to the original chamber.
6. Conference Committee (if necessary)
- If both chambers pass different versions of the bill, a conference committee composed of members from both chambers may be formed to reconcile the differences.
- The committee negotiates a compromise version of the bill, which is then sent back to both chambers for a final vote.
7. Final Approval
- Once both chambers have agreed on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the President.
8. Presidential Action
- The President has several options:
- Sign the bill: It becomes law.
- Veto the bill: The bill is sent back to Congress with the President's objections. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to make it law despite the veto.
- Allow the bill to become law without signing: If the President takes no action for ten days while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law.
- Pocket veto: If Congress adjourns within the ten-day period and the President does not sign the bill, it does not become law.
9. Law Implementation
- Once signed, or if a veto is overridden, the bill becomes law and is codified into the U.S. Code, which will require agencies to implement and enforce its provisions.
This process reflects the principles of checks and balances, allowing both chambers of Congress and the President to have a role in the creation of laws.