HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW
4. The Floor Debate
1. The Proposal
A representative/senator
writes a bill, an idea for a
law.
Bill is debated,
changes are
suggested
7. To the President!
If both chambers of
Congress approve, bill goes
to president.
If signed, it becomes a law.
If vetoed, it doesn't.
5. The Vote
2. The Introduction
Bill gets a number
Bill is read aloud for
senators/representatives
Sent to committe for review
3. The Report
If committee likes it, it
is sent for the whole
House/Senate for
debate.
If changes are made, bill is
read again
Whole House/Senate votes
"yes, no, present (neutral)"
on the bill
6. The Delivery
If bill began in House, it is
sent to Senate and repeats
steps 1-5.
If bill began in Senate, it is
sent to House and repeats
steps 1-5.
Congress can override a
veto if there are enough
votes (2/3 of Congress)