A bill must be introduced by a member of Congress, either in the House or the Senate.
After a bill is introduced, where is it sent for detailed review?
To a specialized committee, and often to a further specialized subcommittee, which holds hearings and debates the bill.
What is the most common fate of a bill introduced in Congress?
Most bills "die in committee," meaning the committee decides not to advance the bill for a vote by the full chamber.
What is a committee "markup" session?
A meeting where committee members review the text of a bill, line by line, to offer, debate, and vote on amendments.
If a committee approves a bill, what is the next step?
The bill is "reported" to the floor of the full chamber (House or Senate) for debate and a final vote.
For a bill to pass Congress and be sent to the President, what must happen?
An identical version of the bill must be passed by a majority vote in both the House and the Senate.
What is the purpose of a Conference Committee?
To resolve any differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill and create a single, identical bill that both chambers can vote on.
After a bill passes both the House and Senate in identical form, where does it go?
To the President of the United States for consideration.
What are the President's three main options when presented with a bill?
1. Sign the bill, making it law.
2. Veto the bill, returning it to Congress.
3. Do nothing.
What is a presidential veto?
The President's constitutional power to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless the veto is overridden.
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
By a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What happens if the President does nothing with a bill for 10 days while Congress is in session?
The bill automatically becomes law without the President's signature.
What is a "pocket veto"?
An indirect veto that occurs if the President does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns during that period. The bill does not become law and cannot be overridden.
What is a "rider"?
An amendment or provision attached to a bill that is on an unrelated subject, often used to pass a controversial measure that would not pass on its own.
