Wk 4-PP: The Policy Proces

Question 1

Enacting Legislative Policies

Answer 1

Proposed bills face a number of challenges before reaching the executive branch (Mayor, Governor, or President).
There are several stages that a bill must go through before being enacted into law.
There are individuals and groups who make up the sphere of influence or advocates of change.
When an issue is defined as a crisis or a window of opportunity is opened, bills about a topic can be introduced simultaneously in both the House and Senate.
After a bill is passed, they must be reconciled in the conference committee and approved by both chambers before being sent to the executive branch.

Question 2

Stages of the Legislative Process

Answer 2

Bills
Hearings
Reports
Rules
Debate
Votes
Executive branch action

Question 3

Bills

Answer 3

Bills can be introduced in either the House (as H.R.) or the Senate (as S).
A bill must meet the approval of both Congressional chambers before reaching the executive branch for approval.
A bill may be amended and marked up throughout the legislative process.
There are often several versions of the same bill.
The versions are reconciled in conference committees.

Question 4

Hearings

Answer 4

Legislative hearings occur when a committee or subcommittee chooses to hold them to discuss a bill under consideration.
Witnesses are invited to provide testimony for or against the legislation.
Hearings offer the opportunity, overview of related social issues/problems, and organizations with vested interests in the outcome of the bill.

Question 5

Reports

Answer 5

When a bill is sent back to the floor for discussion, the committee issues a report about the contents of proposed legislation.
Reports are a good source for evaluative information, costs, and committee opinions.

Question 6

Rules

Answer 6

The House Committee on Rules crafts a House Resolution that the House members must adopt before considering legislation on the floor.
Rules may limit the time allotted for debate or restrict amendments to the bill in question.
This controls the modification of the bill and helps shape a desired outcome.

Question 7

Debate

Answer 7

When a bill reaches the floor of either the House or Senate, Congressional members may voice their support or opposition to the proposed legislation.
At the Federal level, their testimony is recorded in the Congressional Record.

Question 8

Votes

Answer 8

The final stage of a bill in each chamber is the casting of votes.
A record of votes by member or bill number is available due to electronic balloting in the House and Roll Call votes in the Senate.

Question 9

Presidential Action

Answer 9

A President may sign a bill and it becomes a law.
The President may make veto the bill.
Public Laws
Once the President signs a proposed bill it becomes a public law and is assigned a public law number.
Presidential Statements
The President will issue a statement or speech explaining the reasons for signing or vetoing significant legislation.