The legislative process in the United States is a complex process full of checks and balances to ensure that each law passed in this country is in the best interest of its citizens. For a bill to become law it must go through many steps between its initial drafting, until the time the president signs it into law to ensure that the provisions of the bill have been adequately reviewed by those who the people have elected to represent them. Throughout this paper I will outline the legislative process in the United States as well as the steps a bill must go through to become law. Furthermore, I will discuss the history of a specific bill, including the introduction of that bill, the major provisions of that bill, the Senate and House Committees which it was sent to for review and the final vote on the bill.

             The legislative process consists of more than just making laws. As part of the legislative process, the Senate is charged with the duty to advise the president and give consent on any treaties to which this country is a part. Furthermore, the Senate also holds confirmation hearings for judges, including Supreme Court Justices. Article I, Section I of the United States Constitution spells out the powers of the legislative branch (Enactment of a Law). .

             The most common legislative process that we think of, however, is the making of the laws. The first stage of a bill becoming law in the United States is of course the drafting of the bill. Many government officials may be involved in this process including but not limited to a senator, representative, the white house, state legislatures, organizations, scholars, and constituents. The next step in a senate bill becoming law is that it is introduced in Senate Chamber by the senator. Next, "If no objection is heard, the bill is considered read twice and referred to the appropriate committee" (Legislative, p. 1). The bill is then entered on the Senate Journal and given a number (Legislative, p.