How a Bill Becomes Law
From introduction to the president's desk. 11 questions, each answer with its official source.
Test Yourself FirstWho can introduce a bill in the House?
A member of the House
Only members can introduce bills; in the House that includes the delegates and the resident commissioner. The president can propose legislation, but a member has to introduce it.
Where must bills for raising revenue start?
In the House
The Origination Clause in Article I, Section 7 says revenue bills start in the House. The Senate can still propose or agree to amendments, as on other bills.
What usually happens to a bill right after it is introduced?
It is referred to one or more committees
The Speaker refers House bills to the committees with jurisdiction under House Rule XII; in the Senate, bills go to committee under Senate Rule XVII.
What has to happen before a bill can go to the president?
Both chambers pass the same text
Article I, Section 7 requires a bill to pass both the House and the Senate before it is presented to the president. The two chambers must agree on identical text.
How can the House and Senate settle differences between their versions of a bill?
By amending each other's version or through a conference committee
The chambers can trade amendments back and forth until they agree, or appoint a conference committee whose report each chamber then votes on. House Rule XXII covers House and Senate relations.
How long does the president have to sign or veto a bill?
10 days, not counting Sundays
Article I, Section 7 gives the president 10 days, Sundays excepted, after a bill is presented.
Congress is in session and the president neither signs nor vetoes a bill within 10 days. What happens?
It becomes law without a signature
Under Article I, Section 7, an unsigned bill becomes law after 10 days, Sundays excepted, unless Congress has adjourned and prevented its return.
What is a pocket veto?
Congress adjourns and the president does not sign the bill within 10 days, so it does not become law
Article I, Section 7 says an unsigned bill does not become law if Congress by its adjournment prevents its return. Congress cannot override a pocket veto; the bill has to start over.
Does a joint resolution need the president's signature to become law?
Yes, except one proposing a constitutional amendment
Joint resolutions follow the same path as bills under Article I, Section 7. Ones proposing constitutional amendments go to the states instead, under Article V.
Does a simple resolution, such as an H.Res. or S.Res., have the force of law?
No, it only affects the chamber that adopts it
A simple resolution is adopted by one chamber alone, for things like its own rules or a statement of its views. It never goes to the other chamber or the president.
What does a number like Public Law 119-1 mean?
The first public law enacted by the 119th Congress
Public laws are numbered by Congress and then in the order they are enacted. The number is different from the bill number, such as H.R. 29 or S. 5.
Other Topics
- How Congress WorksThe House435 voting members, elected every two years
- How Congress WorksThe SenateTwo senators per state, six-year terms
- How Congress WorksCommitteesWhere most bills are studied, amended or left to wait
- How Congress WorksFloor Votes and Roll CallsHow members vote and how votes are recorded
- How Congress WorksThe Filibuster and ClotureExtended debate in the Senate and how to end it
- How Congress WorksVetoes and OverridesThe president's no, and how Congress can overcome it
- How Congress WorksThe Budget and AppropriationsHow Congress decides what the government can spend
- How Congress WorksImpeachmentHow Congress can charge and remove federal officials
- How Congress WorksTreaties and NominationsThe Senate's advice and consent