What is the difference between a bills and joint resolutions on the one hand and simple and concurrent resolutions on the other?
The main difference is that bills and joint resolutions, when passed, carry the force of law. Bills and joint resolutions must pass both chambers, be presented to the president for his signature, and only become law when they are signed by the president or have remained unsigned for 10 days (not counting Sundays) while Congress is in session. Simple and concurrent resolutions do not carry the force of law and only express the opinions of Congress, commemorate events, or set rules for the procedures of each chamber. Simple and concurrent resolutions are not submitted to the president for his signature. A simple resolution is considered passed when approved by the chamber in which it was introduced, and a concurrent resolution is considered passed when approved by both chambers.
