1

2

Anyone can suggest an idea for a law.

Only Members of Congress can introduce a proposed law to the House or Senate.

3

Member of House or Senate drafts bill. Member submits bill to House or Senate. Bill assigned a number that begins with:

• H.R. for House of Representatives• S. for Senate

Bill then sent to appropriate committee. Maybe sent to multiple committees or sections

divided among committees.

4

Permanent committees in both chambers that study bills related to a general topic such as education, agriculture, energy, homeland security, armed forces, transportation etc.

Committee chair assigns the bill to the appropriate subcommittee.

5

Senate: Senate Committee on Indian AffairsSenate Committee on Indian AffairsDaniel Akaka, Chair (D-HI)

House: Indian & Alaska Native Affairs Committee Indian & Alaska Native Affairs Committee House National Resources Committee subcommitteeDon Young, Chair (R-AK)

6

Subcommittee studies bills related to sub-set topics of the standing committee.

Members of the subcommittee are members of the standing committee.

Most of the discussion in Congress takes place here. Chair of the subcommittee consults with other

committee members, decides whether to schedule a bill for discussion.

The subcommittee may also decide to stop action on a bill that they think is not necessary or wise. The bill then dies.

7

Subcommittee first holds hearingshearings on bill, for supporters, opponents, experts to express views.

Bill amendments are suggested and voted on. Subcommittee may revise or author new bill. Subcommittee votes to take the bill to the full

committee. If bill does not pass, it dies.

8

Committee discusses the bill. Committee members offer and vote on

amendments. Committee votes to send the bill to the full

House or Senate.

9

If passed, committee writes report explaining:• Key points of the bill• Changes made• How bill compares to current laws• Why bill is recommended for approval

Bill and the report are then sent to the full House or Senate.

10

Bill placed on calendar of House or Senate until scheduled for discussion.

House and Senate have different rules for debating bills.

11

House is chaired by the Speaker. Before debate, time limit set for Members to

speak (usually 1 – 5 minutes). Members alternate back and forth between

supporters and opponents of bill.

12

Debate can be ended by simple majority vote. After debate, amendments suggested and

debated. Same rules apply. Finally, bill is put to a vote.

13

Senate chaired by the Vice President; more often is the President Pro Tempore.

No time limit to debate in Senate. Members speak as long as they choose.

Amendments can be offered during debate. When debate ends, the bill is put to a vote.

14

House and Senate must pass similar versions. When bill passes one chamber, it is sent to the

other chamber for debate, amendment and vote. After both chambers pass similar bills, the two

bills are sent to a conference committee.

15

Conference committee are members of both chambers. Committee addresses differences between versions. They re-write bill in a form that appeals to both

chambers and vote on it. If revised bill passes Committee, committee submits a

report that contains:• The revised bill• Explanation how differences where addressed

between the two bills

16

Conference committee report with revised bill is sent back to both chambers for a vote.

If bill fails to pass both chambers, it dies. If bill passes both chambers, it goes to the

President.

17

President has 4 options:

1. Sign. Becomes law when signed.

2. Law without signature. Bill held without signing for 10 days while Congress in session becomes law.

18

3. Veto. Sent back Congress with reasons. Override requires 2/3 affirmative vote of both chambers.

4. Pocket veto. If Congress adjourns before 10 day period expires and President has not signed bill, the bill dies.

19

Thanks again for your attention

20