Types of Bills in Congress
Not all legislation is created equal. Congress uses several types of bills and resolutions, each with different rules and legal force. Here's what each one means.
Quick Reference: Can It Become Law?
House Bills
Bills that originate in the House of Representatives. These are the most common type of legislation. Revenue (tax) bills must originate in the House per the Constitution.
Example: HR 1, HR 1234
Senate Bills
Bills that originate in the Senate. Senate bills follow the same legislative process as House bills but start on the Senate side.
Example: S 1, S 456
House Joint Resolutions
Joint resolutions from the House that have the force of law, just like bills. They are also the vehicle for proposing constitutional amendments (requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers). Constitutional amendments do not require presidential signature.
Example: H.J.Res. 1
Senate Joint Resolutions
Joint resolutions from the Senate, functionally identical to House joint resolutions. Used for legislation and constitutional amendment proposals.
Example: S.J.Res. 12
House Concurrent Resolutions
Concurrent resolutions must pass both chambers but do NOT go to the President and do NOT have the force of law. Used for matters affecting both chambers (e.g., setting the congressional budget, joint session rules).
Example: H.Con.Res. 14
Senate Concurrent Resolutions
Senate version of concurrent resolutions. Same rules as House concurrent resolutions — passed by both chambers, no presidential signature, no force of law.
Example: S.Con.Res. 5
House Simple Resolutions
Simple resolutions that only apply to the House. Used for internal House rules, committee creation, or expressing the opinion of the House. Passed only by the House, no Senate action needed.
Example: H.Res. 100
Senate Simple Resolutions
Simple resolutions that only apply to the Senate. Used for Senate internal matters, rules changes, or expressing the sense of the Senate.
Example: S.Res. 50
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