Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability 1

Figure 27-5 How a bill introducedinto the U.S.House of Representativesbecomes a law. Individualcitizens and lobbyinggroups (Figure 27-4) can influencehow the bill is writtenbefore it is introducedand what happens to it atevery stage of this complexprocess. Once a bill issigned into law, it goes toappropriations committeesin both houses for agreementon how much fundingit will receive. Without adequatefunding, a law cannotbe implemented. Continuedintervention by individualsand lobbying groups can bevery important at this stage.House of RepresentativesIntroduction of Bill by MemberWe will assume this is anappropriations bill, so the Constitutionspecifies that it be introduced inthe House.Referral to Standing Committeeby leadership andparliamentarianHow a Bill Becomes a Law(if introduced in the House)SenateReferral to Standing Committeeby leadership andparliamentarianCommittee Action• Possible referral to subcommittee• Alternatives similar to those of theHouseCalendar placementCommittee Action• Possible referral tosubcommittee• Hearings on major bills common• Committee decisions:TableDefeatAccept and reportAmend and reportRewriteCalendar PlacementRules Committee (major bills)Hearings to decide whether bill willgo to the floor earlier thancalendar date.Senate Floor ActionAlternatives similar to those of theHouse include rejection, acceptance,or additional amendmentsConference CommitteeIf the Senate approves a bill that is notidentical to the one passed in theHouse, a conference committee isrequested. This committee consists ofappointed members from both houseswho compromise on a final version ofthe bill.This compromise version is thensent to each house for final approval.Back to the Senate FloorBill is signed by Speaker andVice-President.House Floor Action• Reading, general debate• Second reading• Amendment(s) report tothe House• Third reading• Passage or defeatPresident• Approve• Veto• Pocket veto• Permit bill to become law withouthis or her signatureLawhi S i I614 CHAPTER 27 Politics, Environment, and Sustainability