Step 1

-Bill formally read aloud on floor.

-Bill then given to clerk.

-Referred to committee by steering committee.

-Bill dropped in hopper.

-referred to committee by the speaker.

(committee action)

-House and Senate committees conduct public hearings.

-Experts testify

-Mark up of bills

-Committee vote: report favorably, or table bill.

(Floor action)

-For the Senate-

~party leaders schedule bills for floor debate on the calendar.

~unlimited debate.

~filibuster.

~floor vote: roll call, standing, voice.

-For the House-

~Rules committe schedules bills on calendar and decided whether amendments may be added.

~Limited debate.

~Floor vote: recorded, standing, voice.

Approved bill crosses over to other House.

Approved bill must pass each chamber by a simple majority.

(conference committee)

members from each chamber meets to reconcile differences in the 2bills.

1. sign the bill into law.

2. veto bill.

3. pocket veto.

* congress can override veto with 2/3 vote in each house; only 4% of vetos have been overriden.