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Legislation,
Laws, and Acts
Chapter 1: Bills
Chapter 2: Joint Resolutions
Chapter 3: Concurrent
Resolutions
Chapter 4: Simple Resolutions
Bills
Bills are prefixed with H.R. when
introduced in the House and S. when
introduced in the Senate, and they are
followed by a number based on the order in
which they are introduced. The vast majority
of legislative proposals are in the form of
bills. Bills deal with domestic and foreign
issues and programs, and they also
appropriate money to various government
agencies and programs.
Public bills pertain to matters that
affect the general public or classes of
citizens, while private bills affect just
certain individuals and organizations.
A private bill provides benefits to
specified individuals (including corporate
bodies). Individuals sometimes request
relief through private legislation when
administrative or legal remedies are
exhausted. Many private bills deal with
immigration–granting citizenship or
permanent residency. Private bills may also
be introduced for individuals who have
claims against the government, veterans
benefits claims, claims for military
decorations, or taxation problems. The
title of a private bill usually begins with
the phrase, "For the relief of. . . ." If a
private bill is passed in identical form by
both houses of Congress and is signed by the
President, it becomes a private law.
When bills are passed in identical form
by both Chambers of Congress and signed by
the President (or repassed by Congress over
a Presidential veto), they become laws.
Joint Resolutions
Joint resolutions are designated H.J.
Res. or S.J. Res. and are followed by a
number. Like a bill, a joint resolution
requires the approval of both Chambers in
identical form and the president’s signature
to become law. There is no real difference
between a joint resolution and a bill. The
joint resolution is generally used for
continuing or emergency appropriations.
Joint resolutions are also used for
proposing amendments to the Constitution;
such resolutions must be approved by
two-thirds of both Chambers, but do not
require the president’s signature. Instead,
three-fourths of the states must ratify them
to become part of the Constitution.
Concurrent Resolutions
Concurrent resolutions, which are
designated H.Con. Res. or S.Con. Res., and
followed by a number, must be passed in the
same form by both houses, but they do not
require the signature of the president and
do not have the force of law. Concurrent
resolutions are generally used to make or
amend rules that apply to both houses. They
are also used to express the sentiments of
both of the houses. For example, a
concurrent resolution is used to set the
time of Congress’ adjournment. It may also
be used by Congress to convey
congratulations to another country on the
anniversary of its independence. Another
important use of the concurrent resolution
is for the annual congressional budget
resolution, which sets Congress’ revenue and
spending goals for the upcoming fiscal year.
Simple Resolutions
Simple resolutions are designated H.Res.
and S.Res., followed by a number. A simple
resolution addresses matters entirely within
the prerogative of one house, such as
revising the standing rules of one Chamber.
Simple resolutions are also used to express
the sentiments of a single house, such as
offering condolences to the family of a
deceased member of Congress, or it may give
"advice" on foreign policy or other
executive business. Simple resolutions do
not require the approval of the other house
nor the signature of the President, and they
do not have the force of law |
