Introducing a House Bill or Resolution (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised July 7, 2014 |
| Report Number |
98-458 |
| Authors |
Jessica Tollestrup, Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The formal procedures that govern the practical activity of introducing legislation are few and are found in House Rule XII. Former House Parliamentarian William Holmes Brown has stated: 'The system for introducing measures in the House is a relatively free and open one.' House rules do not limit the number of bills a Member may introduce. When a Representative who is the primary sponsor has determined that a bill or resolution is ready for introduction, the measure is printed in a form that leaves room for the parliamentarian's office to note the committee or committees of referral and for a clerk to insert a number. The Representative must sign the measure and attach the names of any cosponsors on the form provided by the Clerk's office (cosponsors do not sign the bill). The Representative then deposits the measure in the box, or 'hopper,' at the bill clerk's desk in the House chamber when the House is in session. A Member need not seek recognition in order to introduce a measure.
