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Questions and Answers
What is the first step a proposed bill undergoes after being introduced in Congress?
The bill is referred to a committee for review and possible amendments.
What happens if a committee does not schedule a debate for a bill?
The bill can be effectively killed and not proceed further.
What occurs if both chambers of Congress pass similar bills?
The bills are sent to a conference committee to resolve differences before being sent to the president.
What action can the president take after receiving a bill from Congress?
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What happens to a bill if Congress adjourns before the ten-day period expires and the president does not sign it?
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Study Notes
The Legislative Process
- Any member of the Senate or House of Representatives can propose a bill, but party leaders typically introduce it.
- Similar bills may be introduced in both chambers of Congress at the same time.
- After initial reading, a bill is referred to a committee (and possibly a subcommittee) for review, amendments, and input from government agencies and the public.
- Committees can kill a bill by refusing to consider it.
- After committee approval, the bill returns to its chamber of origin for debate and vote.
- The Speaker of the House or Senate Majority Leader can also kill a bill by not scheduling it.
- If the bill passes, it is sent to the other chamber for committee consideration, debate, and vote.
- If both chambers pass the bill, it proceeds to the president for signature or veto.
Bill Passage Between Chambers
- If both chambers pass similar bills, the legislation goes to a conference committee for compromise.
- The conference committee sends a report to both chambers outlining the agreement.
- The report goes to the president for approval if both chambers approve it.
- If the president signs the bill, it becomes law.
Presidential Action
- The president can veto a bill, returning it to Congress for a possible override vote.
- If Congress is in session and the president does nothing, the bill automatically becomes law after ten days.
- If Congress adjourns before the ten days pass, the bill dies.
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Description
Learn about the steps required to pass a bill into law, from proposal to committee review and amendment.
