Final answer:
The statement that a bill typically goes to a subcommittee which can hold hearings is true. During subcommittee hearings, various experts may be called to testify, and the bill is scrutinized and debated before potentially moving on to the full committee and eventually to the full chamber.
Step-by-step explanation:
A new bill that is sent to a committee typically goes to a subcommittee, which can hold hearings on the bill. This statement is true. Once in the subcommittee, the bill undergoes a detailed review process. The subcommittee can hold hearings to gather additional information and perspectives on the bill from a variety of experts, including officials from government agencies, the bill's sponsors from Congress, and various interest groups and academic experts. The hearing is a critical step in the legislative process as it provides an opportunity for the subcommittee members to evaluate expert opinions and public statements concerning the importance and impact of the proposed legislation.
If the subcommittee chair chooses not to hold a hearing, this generally means the bill is stalled or effectively killed in committee. However, if hearings are conducted, and following further work, the bill may eventually be voted on by the committee. If it passes the committee stage, it is then prepared to move forward, usually with a committee report, to the full chamber of either the House of Representatives or the Senate for further deliberation.
Committees and subcommittees play a vital role in shaping the legislative agenda, and their actions can either propel a bill forward or halt its progress entirely. In the end, a successful bill must navigate through various stages including hearings, markups, votes in both chambers, and often, a joint committee reconciliation process before it has a chance to become law.