Bill to Law

What is the first step in the process of a bill becoming law in the House of Representatives?

A bill is introduced by a congressman and given a name and number.

Who can write a bill in Congress?

Anyone can write a bill but it must be sponsored by a congressman.

What happens to the bill after it's introduced?

It is referred to a Standing Committee.

What is the role of the Subcommittee in the bill process?

The Subcommittee studies the bill, holds hearings, and makes revisions.

What occurs after the subcommittee votes on a bill?

If it passes, it is referred back to the full Committee for more hearings and revisions.

What happens if a bill is not favored by the Rules Committee?

The bill dies and is not put on the Congressional calendar.

What does the Rules Committee do in the House of Representatives?

Sets the conditions for debate on the bill.

What occurs if a bill passes the House of Representatives?

It goes to the Senate and the process repeats.

What is a Conference Committee?

A committee that resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

What is the final version of a bill voted upon by the House?

The final version is the last form of the bill after revisions.

What is one key difference in the Senate's bill process compared to the House?

The Senate does not have a Rules Committee.

What is needed in the Senate to bring a bill to a vote?

A unanimous agreement is required.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic used to kill a bill by extending debate.

What is cloture?

A procedure to end debate in the Senate, requiring 3/5 of Senators to pass.

What are the Presidential options regarding a bill?

1. Sign the bill into law, 2) Veto the bill, 3) Silent veto, 4) Pocket veto.

What is a rider in legislative terms?

An additional provision added to a bill, usually having little connection to the main subject.

What is log rolling in Congress?

The exchange of votes between congressmen to secure votes for their respective bills.

What does pork barrel or earmarks refer to?

A rider that secures government spending for localized projects to benefit a representative's district.

What is a pocket veto?

A pocket veto is a special type of veto that occurs when the President does not sign a bill into law and Congress adjourns within ten days, effectively killing the bill.

What is a pocket veto?

A pocket veto is a special type of veto that occurs when the President does not sign a bill into law and Congress adjourns within ten days, effectively killing the bill.

Veto

A veto is the President's constitutional power to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.