Enrolled Bill - The final copy of a bill that has been passed in identical form by both chambers. The fiscal year carries the date of the calendar year in which it ends. Hearings - Committee sessions for taking testimony from witnesses. At hearings on legislation, witnesses usually include specialists, government officials and spokespersons for individuals or entities affected by the bill or bills under study. Hearings related to special investigations bring forth a variety of witnesses.
Committees sometimes use their subpoena power to summon reluctant witnesses.
The vast majority of hearings are open to the public. Joint Committee - A committee composed of a specified number of members of both the House and Senate. A joint committee may be investigative or research-oriented, an example of the latter being the Joint Economic Committee. Others have housekeeping duties such as the joint committees on Printing and on the Library of Congress. Joint Resolution - A joint resolution, designated H J Res or S J Res, requires the approval of both houses and the signature of the President, just as a bill does, and has the force of law if approved.