Free Custom «Process by which a Bill Becomes Law» Essay Paper

A bill is an idea of a new law, an idea to amend or altogether do away with a law that is in force. These may be sponsored by anyone from the legislators to the citizens. Once the bill is drafted, it is presented to the house for the First reading. If it is not called, it dies. Then it goes to the Second reading from where it is referred to the Committee stage. Then there is a hearing and the Committee comes up with a report. From here, the Bill moves to the Third Reading where the Bill is debated on the floor of the House of Representatives. A final vote is done and if passed, the Bill moves on to the Senate.

If it fails the Bill either may be reconsidered, or may not receive any more action. In the Senate, the Bill is introduced as a First reading and then referred to the Committee for a Second reading. The Committee comes up with a report and then the Bill is reviewed by the Legislative Bureau. The Bill is then debated on the floor of the Senate as after the Third reading. A final vote on the passage of the Bill is done. If it fails, then either the Bill will be reconsidered or no further action may be taken on it. If it passes, the Bill is taken to the House of Representatives. If the Bill is retuned without any amendments to it, then it is sent to the White House for signing by the President. However, if it is returned with any amendments, then the house debates and if they concur with the amendments, then the Bill is also sent to the President for Accent.

On the other hand, if the Bill is returned to the House with amendments and a rejection by either house occurs, then the Bill is sent to the Confirmation committee that attempts to resolve the disputes that have arisen, and once a compromise is reached, the Bill is sent to the White House. A rejection by either house even if the compromise is reached means that the Bill does not proceed anymore. Upon receipt of the Bill form the house, the President may sign it expressly without any issues and the Bill now becomes Law. The President may on the other hand veto the Bill and return it to the original chamber accompanied by remarks for objecting it. However, if the House votes by a two-thirds majority to override the veto, then the Bill becomes Law. The Law then takes effect from the date therein.