Video: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Watch this video to learn more about the process of how a bill becomes a law. Learn from Senator Sage about how she worked to advance the Put Kids First Act into law – with the help of advocates like you!
The Legislative Branch consists of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, which collectively make up the U.S. Congress. Senators and representatives, commonly referred to as lawmakers, write and pass federal laws, including funding for federal agencies.
Both the House and Senate have leadership roles for members of both political parties including:
On the Senate side, the vice president serves as the president of the Senate. In this role, they can cast the deciding vote if there is a tie in the Senate.
On the House side, the House speaker presides over the entire chamber.
Most of the work Congress does is completed in committees. When a bill is introduced in either chamber, it is referred to at least one committee based on the topic of the bill. Congressional committees each have jurisdiction over a different set of issues. A few committees the Academy regularly engages with include:
The full list of committees can be found here for the House and here for the Senate.
For comprehensive information and guidance on advocating to lawmakers – at the federal and state level – visit the “Finding Your Champions” section of the guide.
Watch this video to learn more about the process of how a bill becomes a law. Learn from Senator Sage about how she worked to advance the Put Kids First Act into law – with the help of advocates like you!
11/04/2024
American Academy of Pediatrics