The federal lawmaking process involves several steps, including drafting the legislation, committee consideration, debate and voting in both chambers of Congress, and presidential approval or veto.
1.The first step in the federal lawmaking process is drafting the legislation. This can be done by anyone, but only a bill introduced by a member of Congress can become a law.
2.Once the bill is drafted, it is then sent to a committee or subcommittee for consideration. The committee may request written comments from executive agencies, hold hearings to gather additional information, and work to perfect the measure by amending the bill.
3.After the bill is perfected by the committee, it is sent back to the full Senate. Often, a report that describes the purpose of the measure is also provided.
4.Next, the bill is sent to the floor of the House or Senate for debate. Amendments may be proposed and voted on during this stage.
5.If the bill passes in one chamber, it is then sent to the other chamber to go through a similar process of debate and voting.
If both chambers approve the bill, it is sent to the president for approval or veto.
6.Finally, if the president signs the bill, it becomes a law. If the president vetoes the bill, it can still become a law if both chambers of Congress vote to override the veto with a two-thirds majority.