Question

How does a proposed bill become law?

Answer 1

The proposed bill needs to go through the process of a bill becoming a law.

Explanation:

1. For a proposed bill to become a law, the bill can either be introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate. But only tax bills can go through the House of Representatives.

2. Then the bill is referred to house committee and subcommittee for hearings, debate, and changes. Meaning Senators or Representatives form a small group to discuss about the bill.

3. If the committee passes the bill, the bill goes to the full house.

4. If the full house passes a bill, then the bill goes to the other house.

*If there is a disagreement between the two houses on a bill, then the bill is sent to a conference committee to settle and differences in the two requested bills from each house. Then the final bill is sent back to both houses.

1. It the bill passes in both houses, then it is sent to the president.

2. The president can sign the bill to become a law, or he/she can veto (reject) it. Then it doesn't become a law. But ...

3. If the president vetoes a bill, then the bill gets sent back to Congress. Then , Congress has the choice/power to override the veto. To do this, they must have a two-thirds majority vote in each house to have the bill become a law.

This is how a bill becomes a law.