Bill in the Senate

Introducing the Bill

The process where a bill enters the Senate, is read twice, and then referred to committee.

Filibuster

An attempt to 'talk a bill to death', used as a stalling tactic to delay or prevent Senate action.

Cloture

A procedure for ending debate in the Senate, requiring a petition from at least 16 senators.

Voting for Cloture

Requires ⅗ of Senators (at least 60 votes) to limit debate to 30 hours.

Signing Statement

A statement by the President detailing specific ways a signed bill can be applied.

Veto

The President's refusal to sign a bill, sending it back to the originating House.

Congressional Override

Requires a ⅔ vote in both Houses to pass a vetoed bill.

Pocket Veto

Occurs when the President does not act within 10 days of bill submission, causing the bill to die if Congress adjourns.

Majority Vote

51 votes are required to pass a bill in the Senate.

Stalling Tactic

An action like a filibuster used to delay Senate proceedings.

30 Hours

The maximum time allowed for debate after cloture is invoked.

Bill Passage Options

The President can sign, veto, not act (becoming law in 10 days), or use a pocket veto.

Senate Committee

A group to which a bill is referred for further consideration after its introduction.

Minority Senators

Senators from the minority party who may use filibusters to obstruct legislation.

Senate Action

The processes and proceedings that take place in the Senate related to proposed legislation.

Ted Cruz's Reading

An example of a filibuster, where he read a children's book (Green Eggs and Ham) to delay proceedings.