How to Understand How Congress Passes Laws
The passing of a bill into law is like a carefully choreographed dance in which the two houses of Congress try not to step on the others' toes (or in some cases, try to trip up their partners). It can be a long and drawn out process, depending on the popularity of the bill, and may end up being vetoed or dying at the hand of the President.
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Instructions
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Draw up a bill. The bill originates either in the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then presented to the appropriate committee(s) for review and debate. They may decide to recommend it, amend it or reject it. If it is recommended, it is sent to the chamber floor.
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Introduce the bill to the chamber floor for debate. It is voted on and may be amended while on the floor. If amended, it is then sent back to the committee to be worked on. If the bill is passed it is sent to the other chamber (from House to Senate, or from Senate to House). It may also be tabled, meaning it is put on indefinite hold.
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Submit the bill to the second chamber committee for review, amendment or rejection. If amended or accepted it is introduced on the floor for debate and a vote. They may decide to amend the bill, in which case it is sent back to the first house and the process beings all over again, concluding with the amended bill being sent back to second chamber once again.
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Send the bill to the Joint Committee (made up of members from both houses), if neither house comes to agreement on it. These members try to reach a compromise and if they succeed, the bill is sent back to both houses for a vote. If the bill is accepted it is sent to the President to be signed into law or vetoed.
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Wait for the bill to be signed into law or vetoed. If the President signs the bill, it becomes a law. A veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses. If the president does nothing for 10 days during the Congressional session, the bill becomes a law. If he does nothing for 10 days when Congress is not in session, the veto stands. This is called a "pocket veto."
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