Legislative Process

Once the bill hits the Senate Floor, it may be held up by a

What happens if the President Vetoes a bill?

a committee formed when the House and Senate must reconcile different versions of the same bill

a provision attached to a bill that bears little relationship to the bill’s main topic

Congressional action used in certain unusual circumstances that follows the same procedures as a bill and has the force of law if passed by both houses and signed by the president

Congressional actions without the force of law that are passed by both houses to address matters that affect the operations of both chambers

a document that a majority of House members sign to force a bill out of committee

when all House members become members of a single committee to allow the House to function when many members are at hearings or are otherwise absent

a vote in which each member is required to publicly state his or her vote, also known as a record vote

an indirect veto that takes place when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days, during which time Congress adjourns