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!
What is the Legislative Branch?
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.
Differences Between the House and Senate
House of Representatives
- 435 Representatives
- Each state = representation based on population
- 2-year terms, every House seat is up for election every 2 years
- Initiates revenue bills
- Elects president in case of Electoral College deadlock
- Impeaches officials
Senate
- 100 Senators
- Each state = 2 senators regardless of population
- 6-year terms, 1/3 of Senate seats are up for election every 2 years
- Confirms cabinet & judicial appointments
- Consents to treaties before ratification
Leadership
Both the House and Senate have leadership roles for members of both political parties including:
- A majority leader: Serves as the leader for the political party that holds the majority in that chamber
- A minority leader: Serves as the leader for the political party in the minority in that chamber
- A majority whip: Responsible for keeping track of the majority party’s votes for or against a piece of legislation
- A minority whip: Responsible for keeping track of the minority party’s votes for or against a piece of legislation
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.
Committees
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:
- Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (Senate)
- Committee on Education & the Workforce (House)
- Committee on Appropriations (House and Senate)
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Senate)
- Committee on Ways and Means (House)
The full list of committees can be found here for the House and here for the Senate.
Advocating to Lawmakers
For comprehensive information and guidance on advocating to lawmakers – at the federal and state level – visit the “Finding Your Champions” section of the guide.
Last Updated
11/04/2024
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics