The Legislative Process in the House of Representatives
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How is a bill formally introduced in the House of Representatives?
A member places the bill in a special box known as the "hopper" on the Clerk's desk.
After a bill is introduced, where is it sent for detailed review, research, and revision?
It is assigned to a standing committee that has jurisdiction over the bill's subject matter.
What are the three main actions a committee can take on a bill?
A committee can:
1. Report the bill favorably with or without amendments,
2. Report the bill unfavorably, or
3. Table the bill (also called "pigeonholing"), which effectively kills it.
Which highly influential committee acts as the "traffic cop" of the House, setting the terms for debating and amending most bills?
The House Rules Committee.
What is a "closed rule" issued by the Rules Committee?
A rule that strictly limits or forbids any amendments to a bill from being offered during debate on the House floor.
What is the "Committee of the Whole"?
A procedural device used by the House to debate and amend bills more efficiently. It requires a lower quorum of 100 members, rather than the full House quorum of 218.
How many votes are required to pass a bill in the House, assuming all members are present and voting?
A simple majority, which is at least 218 out of 435 votes.
If the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, how are the differences resolved?
A temporary conference committee, with members from both chambers, is formed to negotiate a compromise bill.
What is a "discharge petition"?
A petition that, if signed by a majority of House members (218), can force a bill out of a committee that has refused to act on it and bring it directly to the floor for a vote.
What is the final version of a bill called once it is approved by a conference committee?
A conference report. This report must then be passed by both the House and the Senate without any further amendments.
