The textbook arrow is really a maze of committees, calendars, negotiations, votes, executive choices, and implementation.
1. Introduction and referral
A member of the House or Senate introduces a bill. It receives a number and is referred to one or more committees with jurisdiction over the subject.
2. Committee work
Committees or subcommittees may hold hearings, request analysis, negotiate language, and conduct a markup. A committee vote can report the bill, while inaction usually ends it.
3. Floor consideration
Each chamber sets rules for debate and amendments. The House often uses a special rule from the Rules Committee; the Senate’s procedures give individual senators and supermajority requirements greater leverage.
4. One text, two chambers
Both chambers must approve identical language. They may exchange amendments or use a conference committee to produce a compromise report.
5. Presidential action
The president may sign the bill, veto it, allow it to become law without signature after ten days while Congress is in session, or use a pocket veto when constitutional timing conditions apply. Congress can override a regular veto with two-thirds votes in both chambers.
6. Implementation
Enactment is a beginning. Agencies interpret and administer statutes, Congress appropriates funds and conducts oversight, courts resolve disputes, and later Congresses revise the law.