How Federal Laws Are Made

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives can introduce legislation (a bill). Legislation often starts as an idea for a law that Members believe will benefit their constituents and citizens across the country. This proposal is written into a bill, a joint resolution, a concurrent resolution, or a simple resolution that is introduced into the House when it is in session. 

Once introduced, the legislation receives a letter designation and a unique number by which it can be referred.  It is then sent to the House committee(s) that has jurisdiction over that particular issue. Amendments to the bill may be suggested by the committee and public hearings may be held. 

Once legislation has been considered by the appropriate committee it is sent to the House Committee on Rules, of which Congressman McGovern is the vice-chair.  The Rules Committee decides if any amendments can be attached to the bill and the amount of time that will be allotted on the House floor for debate.

Members of the House who support a piece of legislation will often sign onto it as cosponsors. 

It should be noted that without enough support, a piece of legislation can die at any point in this process. Legislation that has enough support is brought to the House floor for a vote.  A quorum of representatives must be present for a vote to occur, usually the simple majority of the house at 218.

Generally, voting on a piece of legislation is done by means of an electronic vote system that records the number of 'yays' and 'nays.' If legislation receives a simple majority 'yay' vote in favor, it passes.

If concurrent legislation passes the Senate, the two versions are reconciled by members of a House and Senate conference committee. The bill becomes law with the President’s approval and signature. If the President vetoes the bill, Congress has the opportunity to overturn the veto.

For more information on how laws are made, visit:

Library of Congress - How Laws Are Made
This is a great resource for detailed information on our legislative process.

House Clerk - Kids in the House
Learn about how are laws are made, play games, and watch videos on the history of the House

C-SPAN Congressional Glossary 
This exhaustive list of Congressional terms will clarify your understanding of our legislative process