Final answer:
A bill becomes law through a multi-step process starting with drafting and introduction, followed by committee consideration, floor debate, and voting in both chambers of Congress. If it passes, it's sent to the President who can sign it into law, veto it, allow it to become law without a signature, or pocket veto it if Congress is not in session.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Path of a Bill Through Congress
The traditional process by which a bill becomes a law begins with the drafting of legislation. Although anyone can draft a bill, it must be introduced by a member of Congress to start the legislative journey. Once a bill is introduced, it is referred to relevant committees where it undergoes vigorous work, debate, and amendment before it is put to a vote. Upon approval in committee, the bill progresses to the floor of the chamber, either the House of Representatives or the Senate, depending on where it was introduced.
Before a bill reaches the House floor, it goes through the House Committee on Rules, which sets the rules for debate. After debate, the bill is voted on; if it achieves a simple majority, it moves on to the Senate. Following a similar process in the Senate, any differences in the bill between the two chambers must be reconciled. This can occur by one chamber adopting the other's version or through a conference committee that creates a compromise bill. The final version must then pass both chambers.
The bill is then presented to the President for signature. If the President approves, it is signed into law. If the President vetoes it, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses. If the President takes no action within ten days, excluding Sundays, while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law. A pocket veto occurs if Congress adjourns during the ten-day window and the President does not sign the bill, resulting in the bill failing to become law.