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Introduction of a Bill
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Bills can be introduced whenever the House is in session.
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In the House, bills are officially introduced by placing them in a
special box known as the hopper, which is located at the rostrum, or
Speaker's platform. In the Senate, a bill is introduced by placing
it on the presiding officer's desk or by formally introducing it
on the Senate Floor.
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In the House, a bill clerk assigns the bill a number. House bills
begin with "H.R." Resolutions begin with
"H. Res.," "H. Con. Res.," or "H. J. Res,"
depending what type they are. Senate bills begin with "S."
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The first reading of a bill means the bill's title is read on the House Floor. The
bill is then referred to a committee for markup.
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The Library of Congress then receives an electronic copy of the bill and posts the bill and its status on THOMAS, a public website.
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