The United States Legislative Process: How Laws Are Made
Louis Mbuyu
November 26, 2024
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Step 1: Introduction of a Bill
A bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is assigned a number and referred to a committee for review.
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Step 2: Committee Review
Committees analyze, revise, and vote on whether to send the bill forward for debate in the full chamber.
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Step 3: Floor Debate and Vote
The bill is debated by the full chamber. Amendments may be proposed and voted on before a final vote on the bill itself.
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Step 4: Consideration by the Other Chamber
The bill is sent to the other chamber (House or Senate) for review, potential revision, and voting.
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Step 5: Reconciliation
If both chambers pass differing versions of the bill, a conference committee resolves the differences.
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Step 6: Presidential Action
The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action, allowing it to become law after 10 days if Congress is in session.