Do bills go to the House or the Senate first?
Do bills go to the House or the Senate first?
First, a representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate.
What is a major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
Senators represent their entire states, but members of the House represent individual districts. The number of districts in each state is determined by a state’s population. Each state has a minimum of one representative in Congress.
Where are the differences in the House and Senate version of a bill are resolved?
Resolving Differences Often a conference committee will be appointed with both House and Senate members. This group will resolve the differences in committee and report the identical measure back to both bodies for a vote. Conference committees also issue reports outlining the final version of the bill.
What happens when bills passed from the House and the Senate differ?
If the House and Senate pass different bills they are sent to Conference Committee. Most major legislation goes to a Conference Committee.
What can the House of Representatives do without the Senate?
The House has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an electoral college tie.
Can Senate pass a bill without the House?
Ultimately, a law can only be passed if both the Senate and the House of Representatives introduce, debate, and vote on similar pieces of legislation.
Does a bill have to pass both House and Senate?
In order to pass legislation and send it to the President for his or her signature, both the House and the Senate must pass the same bill by majority vote. If the President vetoes a bill, they may override his veto by passing the bill again in each chamber with at least two-thirds of each body voting in favor.
