A bill can be referred to a subcommittee or considered by the committee as a whole. It is at this point that a bill is examined carefully and its chances for passage are determined. If the committee does not act on a bill, it is the equivalent of killing it. Often, bills are referred to a subcommittee for study and hearings. Hearings provide the opportunity to put on the record the views of the executive branch, experts, other public officials, supporters and opponents.
Testimony can be in person or submitted in writing.
If a subcommittee votes not to report legislation to the full committee, the bill dies. The full committee then votes on its recommendation to the House or Senate. This report describes the intent and scope of the legislation, impact on existing laws and programs, position of the executive branch, and vies of dissenting members. In the House there are several different legislative calendars, and the Speaker and Majority Leader largely determine if, when, and in what order bills come up. In the Senate there is only one legislative calendar.