Understanding the Process by Which a Bill Becomes Law

During the 2008 Presidential campaign, frequent mention has been made that one candidate avoided voting on issues, and therefore bills, which were placed before him to vote on as a member of the U.S. Senate. Since bills represent change in the law, not Constitutional changes, it is important to understand the process by which a bill is ratified, in order to understand the underlying issue. What is involved, and how is a bill passed in the United States?

Whether suggested by the President, congressional committees, Senators, Congressmen, lobbyists, or special groups (and, occasionally, oddly enough, by citizens), bills are introduced either by Senators in the Senate, or Congressmen in the House of Representatives. If the bill introduced is a revenue bill, it can be introduced only in the House of Representatives, since this body was originally established as the Chamber more directly responsible to the American people.

Following its introduction, a draft of the bill, in the correct legal form, is prepared. The bill is assigned a number, printed, and referred to a particular committee for review. During the review, the committee involved can amend, revise, or rewrite the proposed bill. The committee also has the authority to report or table the proposed legislation. If the bill is reported favorably, it is placed on the appropriate Calendar of the Chamber, either the House or the Senate, initiating the legislation, for open Congressional or Senatorial discussion at a future date. Bills involving emergency legislation are pushed ahead of other proposed bills. If a proposed bill is tabled, it will be ignored unless reintroduced.