how a bill becomes law
TRANSCRIPT
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How a Bill Becomes Law
By
Steve Prichard
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Five Steps:
A bill is introduced in congress Action is taken by a committee Action is taken by a congressional house The two houses decide on a final bill Action is taken by the President
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Now, to explain all of this:
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How is a bill introduced in congress?
In the House of Representatives: A bill can be introduced by any member Once proposed, it is given to the Clerk
In the Senate, a Member Must: Be recognized by the Presiding Officer Introduce the bill in the morning
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What is meant by a “Committee Action?”
Once proposed, a bill is sent to a committee The committee is assigned by the Speaker in
the House, or By the Presiding officer in the Senate Then, the bill is researched by the committee Once findings are reported, a vote is taken If it passes, a bill is sent to the Floor
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What happens next?
On the Floor of the House or Senate, a bill Is put on a schedule for debate When the time comes, the bill is debated Once debate is done, congress votes If it is passed, the bill goes to a conference
committee
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Conference Committee
Consists of members of both the House and Senate
Is needed to get one bill from both House and Senate versions
Once a workable bill is made, approval is needed from the House and Senate
If approval is gained, the bill goes to the President
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When a Bill is Sent to the President:
He can sign it to make it law, but… He can also Veto the bill
Or Leave It Alone… If not signed after 10 days, it becomes law if
congress is still in session, But it is automatically vetoed if they adjourn
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In Case of a Veto:
The bill is sent back to congress The chamber that wrote it can override it, but, To do so requires a 2/3 majority
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Finally:
If the President signs a bill or the veto is overridden,
it becomes law!
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www.votesmart.org
References:
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The End