Understanding How a Bill Becomes Law Process in Congress

1. How a Bill Becomes a Law

2. Article I Section 7Method of Passing Bills Clause One - Where do tax bills start? All tax bills start in the House.

3. Clause Two - How does a bill become a law? • Procedures vary slightly in each house and all bills must go through committee work before they get to the floor. Here is a simple overview: • First method—passes one house by majority vote, passes second house by majority vote, goes to president, president signs it into law • Second method—passes one house by majority vote, passes second house by majority vote, goes to president, president vetoes, goes back to house it originated in and must pass by 2/3 vote, then goes to next house and must pass by 2/3 vote to become a law • Third method-- passes one house by majority vote, passes second house by majority vote, goes to president, president delays action for ten days excluding Sundays, becomes law

4. Pocket Veto - What if Congress adjourns and a bill has not been signed by the President? Passes one house by majority vote, passes second house by majority vote, goes to president, delays action for ten days excluding Sundays, within that time Congress adjourns, BILL DOES NOT BECOME A LAW (Reagan had 8 pocket vetoes) • Clause Three - Can the Congress express their opinion without creating a formal law? (Yes) • Resolution—a formal expression of opinion or will • Simple resolution—deals with the matters of one house • Concurrent—deals with both houses Joint—deals with both houses and goes to the president for approval