How a bill becomes a law...(and how it moves through government)
Or why we shouldn't panic whenever a bill is introduced.
Background:
- First things first: understand that a LOT of legislation is introduced daily, for a variety of reasons. More on this later.
- HR 193 was introduced on January 3rd by Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3]. It's called "American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2017"
- On Sunday, I woke up to a number of concerned messages about HR 193.
- The panic only intensified during the day, when some of these tweets started getting shared.
- I stepped in several times on this, but wanted to expand on this here.
First:
- Learn how a bill becomes a law.
- Start here. And then check out these two videos:
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Second:
Understand where any introduced bill is in that process. For a bill like HR 193, it's:
☑️ Rep Mike Rogers introduced the bill on January 3rd.
◻️ Committees view and review the bill
◻️ Senate and House meet separately to debate and vote on the bill
◻️ The President signs or rejects the bill
(This is an abbreviated version of how a bill becomes a law, but you get the general gist)
☑️ Rep Mike Rogers introduced the bill on January 3rd.
◻️ Committees view and review the bill
◻️ Senate and House meet separately to debate and vote on the bill
◻️ The President signs or rejects the bill
(This is an abbreviated version of how a bill becomes a law, but you get the general gist)
- Many bills die in committee: More than 90%. of introduced bills die in committee.
- But it's worth pointing out, we do have three red branches of government. So sure - it's absolutely worth being concerned about.
- You can continue tracking the bill and all bills here and here.
- But does that mean we're all in imminent danger? No. You know why?
Third:
Because as stated earlier, many questionable bills are introduced often and repeatedly, and they almost always die.
- In Rep. Mike Rogers's case, he's introduced this bill before.
- And variations of this bill have been introduced for the past twenty years. (And it's been defeated through Republican presidents)
- So whenever a bill like this pops up, please make sure you research and see what's been done before, and how it's panned out.
- It will give you a better barometer on how a bill like that has made its way through the government before.
- Also assess the climate: is it likely to get support? In the case of HR 193 - sure, it's likely to get more support than under Obama.
- So if you are concerned, definitely call. Just don't think it's immediately going to happen.
Fourth:
While you do your research, also understand why bills are introduced. Some are show bills, in essence.
Per a colleague of mine and Emily Ellsworth:
Most bills are introduced without the sponsor of having any intention to move them forward. They are introduced because:
1) They want the media back home. Local newspapers like to cover bills, the rep benefits from the coverage. It's a symbiotic relationship. Newspapers often know the bills aren't going to go anywhere, but they get the readers.
2) Score points with the base. It's basically brownie points.
3) Give constituents the impression that the elected official is doing something, which can be mentioned during town halls/constituent responses. (See point 2.)
4) This one is slightly obscure, but sometimes, reps like to introduce bills that help like-minded advocacy groups. They all know the bills will go nowhere, but it's a way to rouse up their base.
Per a colleague of mine and Emily Ellsworth:
Most bills are introduced without the sponsor of having any intention to move them forward. They are introduced because:
1) They want the media back home. Local newspapers like to cover bills, the rep benefits from the coverage. It's a symbiotic relationship. Newspapers often know the bills aren't going to go anywhere, but they get the readers.
2) Score points with the base. It's basically brownie points.
3) Give constituents the impression that the elected official is doing something, which can be mentioned during town halls/constituent responses. (See point 2.)
4) This one is slightly obscure, but sometimes, reps like to introduce bills that help like-minded advocacy groups. They all know the bills will go nowhere, but it's a way to rouse up their base.
So in conclusion:
Do your research on legislation introduced each day, and every day. Track the legislation, and figure out what your reps are doing.
But don't panic, until it looks like the bill is going to make it out of committee. HR 193 can be tracked. As of right now, focus on confirmation hearings and more immediate issues.
But don't panic, until it looks like the bill is going to make it out of committee. HR 193 can be tracked. As of right now, focus on confirmation hearings and more immediate issues.