Congressional Document Designations

H.R.

House of Representatives - This designation is used for a bill. It becomes law when passed in identical forms by both Houses and is signed by the President.

Example: H.R. 584 or “S. ”

H.J.Res.

House Joint Resolution - By tradition, it is treated like an H.R. numbered bill though limited in scope (generally used to change a minor item in existing law, for the approval or disapproval of a law, a matter of urgency, or for constitutional amendments). It becomes law when passed in identical forms by both Houses and is signed by the President (except in the case of constitutional amendments - needs 2/3 vote in both Houses - does not need President’s signature).

Example: H.J.Res. 2 or “S.J.Res. ”

H.Con. Res.

House Concurrent Resolution - It is used to express a legislative point of view of both Houses or carry out the administrative business of both Houses. It does not require Presidential approval. It does not become law.

Example: H.Con. Res. 16 or “S.Con.Res. ”

H.Res.

House Resolution - It is used to express the opinion of the House on an issue or to carry out the administrative or procedural business of the House. It does not become law.

Example: H.Res. 145 or “S.Res. ”

H.Rpt.

House Report - It generally serves as an explanation (legislative history) of a bill or resolution reported by a committee. By tradition, conference reports are filed only in the House and are designated as House Reports.

Example: H. Rpt. 106-131

H.Doc.

House Document - It is generally a message from the President.

Example: H.Doc.106-26

P.L.

Public Law - After a bill or joint resolution is signed by the President, it is assigned a law number.

Example: P.L. 106-24

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Note: S.___ stands for Senate, just as the H.___ stands for House.