How a bill becomes a law

1. Preparation of the bill

The member of the Bill Drafting Division of the reference and research bureau prepares the bill.

2. First Reading

The bill is filed with the Bills and Index Service. On first reading, the secretary-general reads the title and number of the bill. The Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate committee.

3. Committee consideration/action

The committee where the bill was referred to evaluates it to determine the necessity of conducting public hearings.

4. Second reading

The Committee on Rules schedules the bill for consideration on second reading.

5. Third reading

Amendments are engrossed and printed copies of the bill are reproduced. The bill is approved by a majority of the members present. If the bill is disapproved, it is transmitted to the archives.

6. Transmittal of the approved bill to the Senate

The bill, signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House, is transmitted to the President.

7. Senate action on the House bill

The bill undergoes the same legislative process in the Senate.

8. Committee conference

A conference committee is constituted and is composed of members from each house of Congress who will vote for or against the bill.

9. Transmittal of the bill to the President

The bill, signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House, is transmitted to the President.

10. Presidential action on the bill

If the bill is approved by the President, it is sent back to the House. If the bill is vetoed, a message citing the reason for the veto is sent with it.

11. Action on approved bill

The bill is sent for publication and distribution to the implementing agencies.

12. Action on vetoed bill

If Congress overrides the veto, the House and the Senate shall proceed separately to reconsider the bill. If it is passed by a two-thirds vote of each house, it becomes a law.