On Third Reading, the Secretary General reads only the number and title of the bill. The bill is approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Members present. If the bill is disapproved, the same is transmitted to the Archives.
Q. What makes a law a law?
The bill has to be voted on by both houses of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. If they both vote for the bill to become a law, the bill is sent to the President of the United States. He or she can choose whether or not to sign the bill. If the President signs the bill, it becomes a law.
Table of Contents
- Q. What makes a law a law?
- Q. What is the final stage before a bill becomes law?
- Q. Can the Lords stop a bill?
- Q. How long can the lords delay a bill?
- Q. What happens if a bill is not passed?
- Q. Can parliament ignore the Lords?
- Q. What does ping pong mean in terms of the law making process?
- Q. What has to happen to a bill if the Lords make changes to it?
Q. What is the final stage before a bill becomes law?
Once a Bill has been agreed by the House of Commons and the House of Lords it then goes to the Monarch for approval (Royal Assent) after which it becomes an Act of Parliament.
Q. Can the Lords stop a bill?
The House of Lords scrutinises bills that have been approved by the House of Commons. While it is unable to prevent Bills passing into law, except in certain limited circumstances, it can delay Bills and force the Commons to reconsider their decisions.
Q. How long can the lords delay a bill?
If they have been sent up to the House of Lords at least one month before the end of the Session, Money Bills can be delayed for up to one month after being sent up, and other Bills can be delayed for up to one year after being sent up.
Q. What happens if a bill is not passed?
If either chamber does not pass the bill then it dies. If the House and Senate pass the same bill then it is sent to the President. If the House and Senate pass different bills they are sent to Conference Committee. Most major legislation goes to a Conference Committee.
Q. Can parliament ignore the Lords?
If certain conditions are met, the Commons can use the Parliament Acts to pass the bill, without the consent of the Lords, in the following session.
Q. What does ping pong mean in terms of the law making process?
‘Ping-pong’ refers to the to and fro of amendments to Bills between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Public Bills before Parliament. About Parliament: Bill stages. House of Commons Background Paper: Public Bills.
Q. What has to happen to a bill if the Lords make changes to it?
A final chance for amendments and votes. Consideration of amendments: If the Lords has made changes to the draft law, it is sent to the Commons to agree. The Commons may accept the Lords change, make its own change in its place, or reject it. Any Commons changes are sent back to the Lords.
