How a Bill Becomes Law

The 12-step legislative process

Turning an idea into federal law is a long, difficult process by design. Of the roughly 10,000 bills introduced in each two-year Congress, fewer than 500 typically become law.

A Bill Is Drafted

Any member of Congress can write a bill. The bill's author is called its "sponsor."

Most bills are never voted on — of the ~10,000 bills introduced each Congress, fewer than 5% become law.

↓

Introduced in the House or Senate

The sponsor formally introduces the bill by placing it in the "hopper" (House) or presenting it on the Senate floor.

Revenue bills (taxes) must originate in the House.

↓

Assigned to Committee

The bill is sent to the relevant standing committee based on its subject matter.

This is where most bills die — the committee chair can simply not schedule a hearing ("pocket" the bill).

↓

Committee Hearing

The committee holds hearings where experts and stakeholders testify about the bill.

Hearings are usually public. Committee members can question witnesses.

↓

Markup

Committee members debate the bill line by line, propose amendments, and modify the text. This is called "markup."

Markup can dramatically change a bill.

↓

Committee Vote

The committee votes on whether to send the bill to the full chamber ("report" it).

A bill that passes committee is said to be "reported out."

↓

Floor Debate

The full chamber debates the bill. In the House, debate is structured; in the Senate, it is largely unlimited (enabling filibusters).

The Senate can filibuster — which requires 60 votes to end (cloture).

↓

Floor Vote

After debate, the full chamber votes. A simple majority is needed to pass.

Most important votes are recorded so constituents can see how their representatives voted.

↓

Sent to the Other Chamber

If the bill passes, it's sent to the other chamber for the same process.

The other chamber often passes its own version with different amendments.

↓

Conference Committee

If different versions pass, a conference committee negotiates a compromise.

Both chambers must then vote to approve the conference report.

↓

Final Vote in Both Chambers

Both chambers vote on the identical final version. If it passes both, it goes to the president.

If either chamber rejects, the bill can go back to conference or die.

↓

Presidential Action

The president has 10 days to sign, veto, or take no action.

Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Veto Override

If the president vetoes a bill, Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Fewer than 10% of vetoes have been overridden.

Types of Legislation

Bills — Proposed laws. Joint Resolutions — Used for amendments. Concurrent Resolutions — Non-binding. Simple Resolutions — One chamber only.

Congressional History

Party control and landmark legislation

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law

Branches of Government

How the three branches check each other

Civics Glossary

Key terms