Each will be discussed in detail below. The first step in the process of a law being enacted is the introduction in the legislature of a bill, or a joint resolution. If a bill is introduced in the Hourse of Representatives, it is assigned an H.R. or H.J.Res. If it is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned an S. number. This same number accompanies the bill until it is enacted, or until the end of the congress during which it was introduced.
Bills are available on microfiche.
After a bill has been introduced, it is assigned to a congressional committee for consideration and a decision as to whether it should be recommended for passage. If the committee decides to recommend passage of the bill, it prepares a report in which it sets forth its reasons for supporting the bill. This is the Committee Report. After the bill has been approved in the house where it was introduced, it goes to the other house and through the same process. Therefore, for any bill, there are at least two Committee Reports.