The primary function of Congress, as the Legislative Branch of our government, is to create and modify laws. In addition, under the powers enumerated in the Constitution, Congress has authority over financial and budgetary policy by levying and collecting taxes, duties, imposts and excises, and, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. Here
is the legislative process, from introduction to enactment into law: Any member can introduce a piece of legislation. House: Senate:
COMMITTEE ACTION The bill is referred to the appropriate committee by the Speaker of the House or the presiding officer in the Senate. Most often, the actual referral decision is made by the House or Senate parliamentarian. Bills may be referred to more than one committee and it may be split so that parts are sent to different committees. The Speaker of the House may set time limits on committees. Bills are placed on the calendar of the committee to which they have been assigned. Failure to act on a bill is equivalent to killing it. Bills in the House can only be released from committee without a proper committee vote by a discharge petition signed by a majority of the House membership (218 members). Committee Steps:
FLOOR ACTION Legislation is placed on the Calendar:
Debate:
Vote:
THE PRESIDENT
THE BILL BECOMES LAW What is a sub committee quizlet?Subcommittee. Formed to tackle very specific tasks within the jurisdiction of the full committees. Subcommittee. (House examples)
What are the roles of committees and subcommittees quizlet?standing committees review and modify bills and decide if they should be reported to the floor for a vote. Subcommittees then do much of the work of reviewing a bill. Joint committees coordinate the efforts of both houses on key issues, while select committees conduct special investigations.
Why must a conference committee meet on a compromise bill?Going to conference
Conference committees exist to draft a compromise bill that both houses can accept. Both houses of Congress must pass identical legislation in order for a bill to be presented to the President.
What are the types of committees and their roles quizlet?Terms in this set (4). Standing Committees. Standing committees deal with issues of permanent legislative concern.. Conference committees. For a bill to become law both houses must approve identical versions. ... . Select committees. Deals with temporary issues, investigation.. Joint committees.. |