To pass a bill in the U.S. Congress, the process generally follows these key steps:
- Drafting and Sponsorship
A member of Congress (either from the House or Senate) drafts and sponsors the bill. Other members may co-sponsor it
- Introduction
The bill is introduced in the chamber of the sponsoring member (House or Senate) and assigned a number
- Committee Referral and Review
The bill is sent to a relevant committee for study. The committee may hold hearings, gather expert testimony, and make changes (mark up the bill). If the committee votes to approve the bill, it is reported out for consideration by the full chamber. If the committee rejects or takes no action, the bill dies
- Floor Debate and Vote in First Chamber
The full chamber debates the bill, may propose amendments, and then votes. A simple majority is usually required to pass the bill in the House; in the Senate, debate may require a 3/5ths majority to end (cloture). If the bill passes, it moves to the other chamber
- Consideration in Second Chamber
The bill undergoes a similar process in the other chamber: committee review, floor debate, amendments, and vote. The second chamber may approve the bill as is, reject it, ignore it, or amend it
- Resolving Differences
If the House and Senate pass different versions, a Conference Committee made up of members from both chambers meets to reconcile differences and produce a compromise bill (Conference Report). Both chambers must then approve this final version
-
Presidential Action
The approved bill is sent to the President who can:- Sign it into law
- Veto it (Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers)
- Take no action for 10 days while Congress is in session, in which case the bill becomes law automatically
- If Congress adjourns during the 10 days and the President does not sign, the bill is vetoed by "pocket veto"
This process ensures thorough review, debate, and compromise before a bill becomes law
