What is the path a bill must take to become a law?
The typical path a bill must take to become a law in the United States involves several stages. Here is a simplified breakdown of the process:
1. Introduction: A member of Congress (either a Senator or a Representative) proposes a bill by introducing it in their respective chamber. The bill is assigned a number and title.
2. Committee Review: The bill is referred to the appropriate committee, which then reviews and studies its provisions. The committee may hold hearings, gather expert opinions, and make amendments to the bill.
3. Subcommittee Review: In many cases, bills are first reviewed by a smaller subcommittee within the larger committee, which also conducts hearings, examines details, and decides whether to advance the bill to the full committee.
4. Markup: The full committee reviews and debates the bill, making further amendments before voting on whether to send the bill to the floor for consideration by the entire chamber. If a majority of the committee members approve, the bill proceeds.
5. Floor Consideration: The bill is brought up for debate and voting on the floor of the respective chamber. The legislators can propose additional amendments and engage in discussion. If the bill receives a majority vote, it moves to the other chamber for consideration.
6. Committee and Floor Consideration in Other Chamber: The bill undergoes similar processes in the other chamber (House or Senate) to review, amend, and vote on the legislation. The committee and floor debates allow for further changes, negotiations, and compromises.
7. Conference Committee: If the versions of the bill passed by both chambers are different, a conference committee is created. Members from both chambers work together to resolve the differences, reconcile their versions, and create a single agreed-upon bill.
8. Final Vote: Once a compromised bill is reached, it is sent back to each chamber for a final vote. If both chambers pass the bill with a majority vote, it proceeds to the next stage.
9. Presidential Action: The bill is sent to the President. If the President approves it, they sign it, and it becomes a law. If the President opposes the bill, they can veto it. However, Congress can override a veto by obtaining a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber.
10. Law: If the bill is signed by the President or if Congress successfully overrides a veto, it becomes law. It is then assigned a public law number and published for implementation.
It is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on specific circumstances and legislative rules.