How a Bill Becomes a Law
A step-by-step guide to introduction, committee work, floor votes, reconciliation, and presidential action.
Introduction and committee work
A bill begins when a member introduces it in the House or Senate. It is then referred to one or more committees, where hearings, investigation, and markup determine whether it advances and in what form.
Floor action and final agreement
Each chamber must pass the same legislative text. If the House and Senate approve different versions, they must resolve those differences before the enrolled bill can be presented to the President for signature or veto.
Current examples
- Introduced: SRES 817 — An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar.
- In committee: S 380 — Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act
- Reported: S 2658 — Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act
- Passed House: HR 204 — ACRES Act
- Passed Congress: HCONRES 86 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
- Became law: S 629 — Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025