How a Bill Becomes a Law
By Sophia Sload
1. Someone has an idea
A person doesn't have to be part of congress and can be a normal citizen or group of citizens. It can also be a person in the government. They just have to send the idea to congress.
2. The bill is introduced to the Congress
The bill can only be introduced by a member of the congress. All tax bills are introduced to the house of representatives because that is closest to the people.
3. The bill is given a title and a number
The title and number will keep organization between bills in the congress.
4. Sent to the standing committee
Here the standing committee could do many things to the bill. They could pass the bill or suggest that it gets passed. They could replace the bill with a new one. They could pigeonhole the bill which is ignoring it and letting it die. Last but not least, they could kill the bill through majority vote.
5. Congress debates the bill
Here the senate could attach additional things to the bills called riders. Also the rules committee could determine the terms for debate. A filibuster rarely happens but it is when you try to kill a bill.
6. Congress votes on the bill
The senate and house must pass the same bill or they will be compromised in the joint committee. The three kinds of votes are a voice vote (yea or no), standing votes, and roll-call votes (recorded).
7. The President will pass or veto the bill
This is where the president makes the decision about the bill. He can veto it but this can be overrided by the congress. If nothing happens for 10 days and congress is in session it becomes a law. If not it dies.
8. Congress may override a veto
If the congress does not agree with what the president did they can override the veto.