How Does Congress Pass Laws?
Path of a bill introduced in the House (a bill introduced in the Senate would mirror the same path) Step 1 Bill introduced in House Step 2 House Committee action Step 3 Floor vote in full House Step 4 Bill sent to Senate Step 5 Senate Committee action Step 6 Floor vote in full Senate Step 7 Conference Committee: compromise bill Step 8 Floor vote in each chamber Step 9 Sent to President for signature • A bill can only be introduced by a member of Congress. That member becomes the bill’s sponsor. A bill introduced in the House is given an “H.R.” number (such as HR 1403). A bill introduced in the Senate is given an “S” number (such as S 1209). You can track a bill at Thomas. • Once a bill is formally introduced, it is referred to a standing House Committee or Senate Committee that has the appropriate jurisdiction. A subcommittee will usually consider the bill first. Hearings may be held at the subcommittee or full committee level, and amendments to propose changes to the original bill are
