A Bill Becomes a Law
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Unit 7
 
Legislative Lingo
 
Strategies and Power Plays
 
Stats, Quirks, and Examples
 
House Versus Senate

Strategies and Power Plays

Unit 7

 

Amendments make legislative proposals more palatable to subcommittee members and to the membership of Congress as a whole. "Broadening" amendments change existing aspects of the legislation, while "buying" amendments add unrelated issues to the bill in hopes of garnering support. So called "Christmas Tree" bills include a large number amendments, each of which appeals to a small number of members in hopes of securing their vote.

 

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