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Through its constitutionally-granted powers. the United States Congress considers thousands of bills each session. Yet, only a small percentage of them will ever reach the top of the president s desk for final approval or veto. Along their way to the White House, bills traverse a maze of committees and subcommittees. debates, and amendments in both chambers of Congress.

For a complete explanation, see. How Our Laws Are Made (Library of Congress) Revised and Updated by Charles W. Johnson, Parliamentarian, United States House of Representatives.

Step 1: Introduction

Only a member of Congress (House or Senate) can introduce the bill for consideration. The Representative or Senator who introduces the bill becomes its sponsor. Other legislators who support the bill or work on its preparation can ask to be listed as co-sponsors. Important bills usually have several co-sponsors.

Four basic types of legislation, all commonly referred to as bills or measures are considered by Congress: Bills. Simple Resolutions. Joint Resolutions. and Concurrent Resolutions .

A bill or resolution has officially been introduced when it has been assigned a number (H.R. # for House Bills or S. # for Senate Bills), and printed in the Congressional Record by the Government Printing Office .

Step 2: Committee Consideration

All bills and resolutions are referred to one or more House or Senate committees according their specific rules.

If the committee approves the bill, it moves on in the legislative process. Committees reject bills by simply not acting on them. Bills that fail to get committee action are said to have died in committee, as many do.