Legislative Process — How a Bill Becomes Law

1. **Introduction:** Any member of Congress can introduce a bill. House members drop it in the "hopper"; Senators hand it to the clerk or introduce from the floor. Bills prefixed H.R. (House) or S. (Senate). Joint resolutions (H.J.Res., S.J.Res.) have force of law; concurrent and simple resolutions do not. 2. **Referral:** Parliamentarian refers the bill to the committee(s) of jurisdiction. In the House, the Speaker can refer to multiple committees (sequential, split, or joint referral). In the Senate, bills go to one committee.