How does a bill become law in the United States?

If the President approves of the legislation, it is signed and becomes law. If the President takes no action for ten days while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law. If the President opposes the bill, they may veto the bill.

Is it legal for law enforcement officers to identify themselves?

Separate from the question of federal law, several states have adopted laws and regulations requiring law enforcement to identify themselves.

What are the laws that law enforcement agencies enforce?

Description of the Laws We Enforce. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. § 14141 (re-codified at 34 U.S.C. § 12601), allows us to review the practices of law enforcement agencies that may be violating people’s federal rights. If a law enforcement agency receives federal funding, we can also use…

What happens when a bill is passed in the House?

Sign and pass the bill—the bill becomes a law. Refuse to sign, or veto, the bill—the bill is sent back to the U.S. House of Representatives, along with the President’s reasons for the veto. If the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate still believe the bill should become a law, they can hold another vote on the bill.

How many steps does a bill have to go through Congress?

There are 9 steps a bill can go through before becoming a law. The history of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), a law that was passed in 2008 and impacts the field of genomics, provides an excellent example of the legislative process in action.

Who can draft a bill in Congress?

A bill can be drafted by anyone, but must be sponsored and introduced by a member of Congress, then presented in either the House or Senate. The president or a member of the cabinet may also draft a bill but a member of Congress must introduce it.

What happens if a bill is not approved by Congress?

If they do not agree on approval, the bill dies. The approved bill is sent to the president for review, and becomes a law if the president signs it, or if it remains unsigned on the president’s desk over a 10-day period while Congress remains in session.