How Is a Bill Made in Congress?

A bill in Congress is a potential law introduced by a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate written by the member, his staff or with outside help.

Subjects

A bill typically is a resolution involving matters that can include appropriating federal dollars or the oversight of government programs.

Authors

Bills can be written by a member of Congress and his or her staff. A bill can also be written by political interest groups or an organization, a private citizen or, in rare instances, by the President, his advisers or government agencies.

Process

After being introduced, the bill is submitted to a committee, which evaluates the bill and can hold hearings and alter the bill's content. If it passes committee, it can be sent to the floor for debate and a vote in the House and the Senate.

Evolution

Throughout the process, a bill's language can change drastically. Compromises are made, altering the language or the bill's intended reach. Also, members of Congress can add amendments and earmarks.

Final Version

After a form of a bill passes the House and Senate, it's revised again in the conference committee, where members of both houses finalize the bill to be sent to the President.

References

• Library of Congress: Bills, resolutions
• Tying It All Together: Learn about the Legislative Process
• Project Vote Smart: GOVERNMENT 101: How a bill becomes law