How a bill becomes a law: the Nitty Gritty

1.Bills vs. Resolutions

From time to time Congress will find it
necessary to clarify procedures or to make a
statement of opinion. To do so does not require
a law to be passed. Rather, Resolutions are
enacted.

Concurrent Resolution: Both houses issue

a statement concerning a public policy
Ex: Disapproval of a Rep. who
interrupted the President’s speech

Joint Resolution: Have the force of law and

require approval from the President. Often
address a TEMPORARY issue
Ex: Budget issues

2.Bills in Committee
a. Purpose of Committees: to create expertise
b. Leadership: Seniority- those who have
served the longest in Congress become the
leaders (Chair-person) of committees
c. Research: Sub-Committees are assigned to
look at issues more closely
 Hearings: Experts and others involved
in the issue are called to testify before
the committee

d.Types:
Standing Committee:
Select Committee:
Joint Committee:
Conference Committee:

e.Actions
-Kill it
 -Pigeonhole (set aside while more
important bills are considered. Eventually
the bill is forgotten about)

-Amend: In the House, amendments must

be germane (on-topic) to prevent
porkbarrelling (adding “bonuses” to the
bill to benefit a rep’s district). In the
Senate, however, riders (non-germane
amendments) may be added to make a bill
more likely or less likely to pass, in addition
to benefiting one’s state.

1.Debate
Debate is limited in the House (too many
people) by the House Rules Committee.
In the smaller Senate, however, almost
anything goes.
Quorum: A majority of members need to
be present to hold an official vote
Filibuster: In the
Senate, members
opposed may delay a
vote by talking… and
talking… and talking…
until…
Cloture: 60 members
of the Senate may sign
a petition to end a
filibuster