Drag the Stages and Actions to locate correctly on the timeline.

Stages

Actions

  • Bill introduced: first reading
    No debate or vote
  • Committee stage
    Hearings ascertain views of interested parties/ amendments agreed/Bill reported out
  • Timetabled for debate by Committee of Whole House/Senate
    House: Bills prioritised by Rules Committee
    Senate: Bills prioritised by majority and minority leader agreement
  • Second Reading
    Debate/amendments agreed
    Senate: possibility of “filibuster” (prolonging debate to delay or block vote on Bill)
  • Third Reading
    Debate and vote
  • Conference Committee
    Reconciles any differences between House and Senate versions of Bill
  • Sent to President
    Bill signed into law/
    Bill vetoed (may be over-turned)