How the Senate Works on Legislation

Here’s a clean, slide-ready version of the flowchart showing how a bill becomes law in the U.S. Senate. 

Introduction of a Bill

  • A senator drafts and introduces a bill.
  • The bill is assigned a number and title.
  • It’s formally submitted to the Senate clerk.

Committee Referral & Action

  • Bill is referred to a relevant Senate committee.
  • Committee holds hearings and gathers testimony.
  • Members debate and may amend the bill.
  • Committee votes to report the bill to the full Senate.

Senate Floor Consideration

  • Bill is placed on the Senate calendar.
  • Open debate begins (filibuster possible).
  • Amendments may be proposed and voted on.
  • Cloture may be invoked to end debate (requires 60 votes).

Senate Vote

  • Final version of the bill is voted on.
  • If passed by a simple majority (51 votes), it moves to the House.
  • If failed, the bill dies.

House of Representatives Action

  • House reviews the Senate bill.
  • Committee and floor process repeats.
  • House may pass, amend, or reject the bill.

Reconciliation

  • If House and Senate versions differ:
    • A conference committee negotiates a unified version.
    • Compromise bill is sent back to both chambers for approval.

Final Approval

  • Both Senate and House must pass the identical version.
  • If approved, the bill goes to the President.

Presidential Action

  • President can:
    • Sign the bill → it becomes law.
    • Veto the bill → returns to Congress.
      • Congress can override with a 2/3 majority in both chambers.
    • Take no action:
      • If Congress is in session → bill becomes law after 10 days.
      • If Congress adjourns → pocket veto (bill dies).


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