legislative process

Procedures by which the laws of a country are enacted.

In the USA, a bill is initiated in either the Senate or House of Representatives. The clerk of either gives it a title and number (the first reading) and refers it to a Senate or House committee. They can kill the bill, postpone it indefinitely, or debate and add amendments. If the latter, the clerk reads the bill to the house (second reading). After debate and possible amendments, the bill title is read (third reading) and a vote taken. If passed, the bill goes to the other house to be killed or passed. After passage by both houses, it is sent to the US President who may sign it or veto it. Congress can override the veto by a vote of two-thirds. If the president does not sign this final version within ten days, it automatically becomes a law.