Understanding Congressional Bills

Congressional bills are proposed laws created by the United States Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. When both chambers pass a bill and the President signs it, the bill becomes a federal law. These laws form the foundation of our legal system and take precedence over executive orders and agency regulations.

Key Points

• Created by Congress: Bills originate in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. They must pass both chambers before going to the President.
• Requires presidential signature: A bill becomes law when the President signs it. If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
• Supreme in the legal hierarchy: Federal laws (passed bills) take precedence over executive orders. The President cannot use an executive order to contradict or nullify a law passed by Congress.
• Only Congress can repeal: Once a bill becomes law, only Congress can repeal or amend it. The President cannot unilaterally rescind a law.
• Subject to judicial review: The Supreme Court can strike down a law if it violates the Constitution, but otherwise laws remain in effect until Congress changes them.