Home > Legislation

How Laws Are Made

From the source of an idea for a legislative proposal through its publication as a statute, learn about the numerous steps of our federal lawmaking process. Gain a greater understanding of the federal legislative process and its role as one of the foundations of our representative system.

Download the entire document.

I. Introduction

II. The Congress

III. Sources of Legislation

IV. Forms of Congressional Action

V. Introduction and Referral to Committee

VI. Consideration by Committee

VII. Reported Bills

VIII. Legislative Oversight by Standing Committees

IX. Calendars

X. Obtaining Consideration of Measures

XI. Consideration and Debate

XII. Congressional Budget Process

XIII. Engrossment and Message to Senate

XIV. Senate Action

XV. Final Action on Amended Bill

XVI. Bill Originating in Senate

XVII. Enrollment

XVIII. Presidential Action

XIX. Publication

Return To Top