Understanding the Legislative Process

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How a bill becomes a law involves study and compromise.

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Moving a bill through the legislative process requires study and compromise.

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Types of resolutions.

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A resolution may be a joint resolution, a simple resolution, or a concurrent resolution.

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Who can introduce a bill?

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Only a member of Congress can introduce a bill.

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Committee's role in the bill process.

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A bill is sent to the appropriate committee where it is subject to hearings and possible amendments.

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What happens after committee changes a bill?

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The committee reports the bill to the House or Senate with a written report for debate and voting.

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Conference committee's role.

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If the bills passed by the two houses are not identical, a conference committee must work out the differences.

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Presidential action on a bill.

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After both houses pass the identical bill, it goes to the president to be signed or vetoed.

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Overriding a presidential veto.

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Congress can override a presidential veto, but it requires a two-thirds vote in both houses.

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Approval of government spending.

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Approval of government spending, or appropriation, lies with Congress.

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Influences on lawmakers.

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Lawmakers are influenced by constituents, party, trusted staff, experts, and personal beliefs.