A Bill Becomes a Law
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Unit 8
 
Legislative Lingo
 
Strategies and Power Plays
 
Exceptions to the Rule
 
Stats, Quirks, and Examples
 
The Legislative Junkie

Exceptions to the Rule

Unit 8

 

Discharge: If a committee sits on a bill and refuses to refer it to the entire chamber, members may initiative a discharge petition. In the House, this requires the support of 218 members, a difficult task. In the Senate, discharging a committee usually requires unanimous consent.

 

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