Gov: Introduce House Bills

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Content Objective:

Understand the process by which laws are developed at the federal level, and key differences between how laws are developed at the federal level and state level.

Language Objectives:

• Understand, learn, and use new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly through informational text and direct instruction.
• Identify and/or summarize main ideas, facts, supporting details, and opinions in an informational and/or practical selection.
• Read and synthesize information found in various parts of charts, tables, or diagrams to reach supported conclusions.

Learning Target:

Students will explain the formal process of how a bill travels through Congress and factors that influence the lawmaking process.

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Legislative Process in Action

This activity introduces students to the central action of representative government by engaging them in analyzing a model sequence of lawmaking. In practice, the legislative process can be abbreviated or more complex; this lesson introduces the 10 elemental steps that demonstrate how Congress acts. Before it becomes law, a bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These distinct institutions have different rules and unique traditions which slightly alter the process. However, the 10 steps described here are common to both chambers.

The 10 steps:

1. Desire for legislation is voiced
2. Bill is introduced and referred to committee
3. Committee collects testimony and information
4. Committee reports to full chamber
5. Floor debate
6. Vote on bill
7. Process is repeated in other chamber
8. House and Senate bills are reconciled in a conference
9. Act sent to President
10. President signs act

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Introduce House Bills

Bills come to a committee from a variety of sources, including individual citizens and interest groups. A large number originate in departments and agencies of the executive branch. These bills are put forward to advance the policies advocated by the president. No matter where a bill originates, a member of Congress must introduce it. According to the rules of the House, the speaker distributes proposed legislation to the various committees for study. In the Senate, the majority leader handles this task.

Desire for legislation is voiced.

• Bill: Keep Americans Safe Act To amend the regulations by which the President can authorize the interception of electronic communication in order to protect the safety of American citizens.
• Bill: Energy Independence Act To establish a program for leasing federal lands for the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas.
• Bill: Fair Minimum Wage Act To increase the federal minimum wage rate to $15.

Bill is introduced and referred to committee.

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H.R.1 Bill: Keep Americans Safe Act 

To amend the regulations by which the President can authorize the interception of electronic communication in order to protect the safety of American citizens.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. Allow the President to authorize government officials to intercept any electronic (e-mail), wireless (cell), or telephone communication they suspect relates to possible terrorist activity, without having to first prove probable cause and obtain a warrant from a U.S. court. This warrantless surveillance authorization would relate only to electronic or telephone communication between someone in the United States and someone in a foreign country. Surveillance of e-mail or phone communication within the United States could only be done if a warrant is obtained from a U.S. court. However, the President has the right to suspend this restriction for 90 days in the event of a terrorist attack or if the President determines that the country is under imminent threat. 

Sent to Judiciary Committee.

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H.R.2 Bill: Energy Independence Act 

To establish a program for leasing federal lands for the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. Direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program for leasing areas under control of the federal government for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. The areas open for these projects would include wildlife refuges such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)—and coastal ocean areas at least 3 miles from the land along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. Revenue from the lease agreements would be divided equally between the federal government and the states where these areas are located. All oil or natural gas produced from these projects would be for domestic, U.S. use only.

Sent to Energy and Commerce Committee.

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H.R.3 Bill: Fair Minimum Wage Act 

To increase the federal minimum wage rate to $15. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. Increase the federal minimum wage $15.00 an hour, effective 30 days after the act is signed into law. This act will create a new minimum wage “floor” throughout the country. Any state whose minimum wage falls below this floor will be required to raise its minimum wage to match or exceed the new federal minimum wage.

Sent to Education and the Workforce Committee.

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Once a bill is introduced in the House or Senate, the business of lawmaking begins. In theory, a proposed law first goes to a committee. If approved there, the bill goes to the floor of the chamber in which it was introduced for a vote. If it passes there, it goes to the other chamber of Congress for a second vote. After being approved by both the House and Senate, the bill goes to the president. In reality, the legislative process is far more complex and filled with hazards. During the months it takes to move a bill through Congress, lawmakers can be pulled in several directions. Party leaders insist on loyalty to the party’s position. Constituents may demand attention to local concerns. Lobbyists may clamor for consideration of their particular interests. And all the while, the news media watch and report lawmakers’ every move. In addition to these outside pressures, many lawmakers feel an inner pressure to make decisions based on their own principles.

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Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the students and speakers of our government classes and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of this website, institution, or organization. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.