A Bill Becomes a Law
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Unit 1
 
Legislative Lingo
 
Strategies and Power Plays
 
Exceptions to the Rule
 
Stats, Quirks, and Examples
 
The Legislative Junkie

Stats, Quirks, and Examples

Unit 1

 

One measure of Congress's view of societal problems is the number of bills introduced. The sharp decline in House bills does not reflect fewer problems, but rather a rules change allowing co-sponsorship and the increased use of omnibus legislation.

 

NUMBER OF BILLS INTRODUCED

Source: Norman Ornstein, Thomas Mann and Michael Malbin, Vital Statistics on Congress, 2001-2002, Washington D.C.: American Enterprise Institute, 2002, pp. 146-147 and Congressional Research Service Reports.

 

Unit Introduction

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Copyright © 2005 The Dirksen Congressional Center

Home Unit 1: Introduction Unit 2: From Problems to Solutions Unit 3: Origin of Bills Unit 4: Bill Drafting and Floor Introduction Unit 5: Referral to Committee Unit 6: Subcommittee Review Unit 7: Mark-up and Subcommittee Voting Unit 8: Committee Action Unit 9: Scheduling Floor Consideration Unit 10: Floor Debate Unit 11: Floor Votes Unit 12: Ironing Out Differences Unit 13: Presidential Action and Congressional Reaction Unit 14: The Legislative Processes