WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

Reference

Congress words, in plain English

The words Congress uses for its own steps, explained in a sentence or two. Under each one are the exact official words it rests on, and a link to where they come from.

Most quotes come from How Our Laws Are Made, written by the Parliamentarian of the House, and from Riddick's Senate Procedure. Some rules have changed since those editions, so we quote only parts that match how the word is used today. Updated November 2, 2026.

Kinds of bills and resolutions

Joint resolution

A joint resolution works almost the same as a bill. It must pass both the House and the Senate, and it becomes law the same way a bill does. The exception is a joint resolution that proposes a change to the Constitution: it goes to the states, not to the President.

From the official record:

There is little practical difference between a bill and a joint resolutionHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Joint resolutionsJoint resolutions, with the exception of proposed amendments to the Constitution, become law in the same manner as bills.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Joint resolutionsit is not presented to the President for approval. Rather, such a joint resolution is sent directly to the Archivist of the United States for submission to the several statesHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Joint resolutions

Concurrent resolution

A concurrent resolution passes both the House and the Senate, but it does not go to the President and is not a law. Congress uses it for matters that affect both chambers, or to state what Congress thinks.

From the official record:

A matter affecting the operations of both Houses is usually initiated by a concurrent resolution.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Concurrent resolutionsconcurrent and simple resolutions normally are not legislative in character since not presented to the President for approval, but are used merely for expressing facts, principles, opinions, and purposes of the two HousesHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Concurrent resolutions

Simple resolution

A simple resolution is voted on by only one chamber, the House or the Senate. It deals with that chamber's own rules or business, or states its opinion. It is not a law.

From the official record:

A matter concerning the rules, the operation, or the opinion of either House alone is initiated by a simple resolution.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Simple resolutionsSimple resolutions are considered only by the body in which they were introduced.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Simple resolutionsconcurrent and simple resolutions normally are not legislative in characterHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Concurrent resolutions

Budget resolution

The budget resolution is Congress's own budget plan for the year. It sets overall limits on spending and taxes. It is a concurrent resolution, so the President does not sign it.

From the official record:

Each year the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution imposing overall constraints on revenues and spendingHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XII, Congressional budget processconcurrent and simple resolutions normally are not legislative in character since not presented to the President for approvalHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IV, Concurrent resolutions

Congressional Review Act and resolutions of disapproval

Under the Congressional Review Act, an agency must send each new rule to Congress before the rule can take effect. Congress can then pass a joint resolution of disapproval. If that resolution becomes law, the rule has no force.

From the official record:

a report shall be submitted to Congress before a rule can take effect5 U.S.C. 801 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(3)(B)A rule shall not take effect (or continue), if the Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval5 U.S.C. 801 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 5 U.S.C. 801(b)(1)That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the ____ relating to ____, and such rule shall have no force or effect.5 U.S.C. 802 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 5 U.S.C. 802(a)

How a bill moves

Introduced

A bill is introduced when a member formally hands it in. In the House, members drop it into a wooden box called the hopper. No one's permission is needed.

From the official record:

placing it in the hopper, a wooden box provided for that purposeHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part V, Introduction and referral to committeePermission is not required to introduce the measure.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part V, Introduction and referral to committee

Reported

A committee has reported a bill when it votes to send the bill to the full House or Senate, often with changes. A committee can also stop a bill just by not acting on it.

From the official record:

If the committee votes to report the bill favorably to the House, it may report the bill with or without amendments.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VI, Consideration by committeeA committee may table a bill or fail to take action on it, thereby preventing its report to the House.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VI, Consideration by committee

Committee report

A committee report is the written explanation a committee publishes with a bill it sends to the floor. It says what the bill is for, explains it section by section, and shows every change it would make to current law.

From the official record:

If the committee votes to report the bill to the House, the committee staff writes a committee report. The report describes the purpose and scope of the bill and the reasons for its recommended approval.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VII, Reported billsGenerally, a section-by-section analysis sets forth precisely what each section is intended to accomplish. All changes in existing law must be indicated in the reportHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VII, Reported bills

Amendment in the nature of a substitute

An amendment in the nature of a substitute puts a whole new version of a bill in place of the old one. Committees often use one to gather all the changes they agreed to into a single amendment.

From the official record:

the committee may decide to report the original bill with one amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of all the amendments previously adoptedHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VI, Consideration by committeein order as original text to replace the version reported fromHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XI, Consideration and debate

Calendar

A calendar is a chamber's list of bills that are ready for the full House or Senate to take up. Bills on a calendar do not have to be taken up in order.

From the official record:

it is assigned a calendar number on either the Union Calendar or the House Calendar, the two principal calendars of businessHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part IX, Calendarsa motion to proceed to the consideration of a measure on the calendarHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate actionit is possible to have them taken up out of their order on their respective calendarHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Obtaining consideration of measures

Rules Committee and special rule

In the House, the Rules Committee writes a special rule for many bills. The rule is a short resolution that sets how long debate lasts and which changes may be offered. The House must adopt the rule before it takes up the bill.

From the official record:

obtaining from the Committee on Rules a special resolution or rule for their considerationHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Special resolution or ruleAfter general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall not to exceed ___ hoursHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Special resolution or ruleThe rule may also make a specified manager's amendment in order prior to any other amendmentHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Special resolution or ruleResolved, That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker mayHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Special resolution or rule

Suspension of the rules

Suspension of the rules is a fast way for the House to pass bills that few members oppose. Debate is limited to 40 minutes, the bill cannot be changed on the floor, and passing it takes a two-thirds vote.

From the official record:

motion to suspend the rules of the House and pass a public bill or resolutionHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Motion to suspend the rulesThe motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill is debatable for 40 minutesHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Motion to suspend the rulesThe motion may not be separately amendedHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Motion to suspend the rulesthe rules may be suspended and the bill passed only by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members voting, a quorum being present, this procedure is usually used only for expedited consideration of relatively noncontroversial measuresHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Motion to suspend the rules

Discharge and discharge petition

To discharge a committee means to take a bill away from it so the full chamber can act. In the House, a discharge petition can force this when a committee has held a bill for 30 legislative days. Once 218 members sign the petition, it moves forward.

From the official record:

The House also has the ability to discharge a bill from committee.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VI, Consideration by committeeA Member may present to the Clerk a motion in writing to discharge a committee from the consideration of a public bill or resolution that has been referred to it 30 legislative days prior thereto.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Motion to discharge committeeWhen 218 Members have signed the motion, it is entered in the JournalHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Motion to discharge committee

Motion to proceed

In the Senate, a motion to proceed is a vote on whether to start work on a bill. The Majority Leader usually makes it when senators will not all agree to start.

From the official record:

by a motion to proceed to the consideration of a measure on the calendarHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate actionis reserved, by tradition, to the Majority LeaderHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate actionUsually, a motion to consider a measure on the calendar is made only when unanimous consent to consider the measure cannot be obtained.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate action

Filibuster

A filibuster is when senators who oppose a bill keep debate going to delay or block a vote on it. Ending a filibuster usually takes a cloture vote.

From the official record:

Senators opposed to a measure may extend debate by making lengthy speeches or a number of speeches at various stages of consideration intended to prevent or defeat action on the measure. This is the tactic known as filibustering.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate actionDebate may be closed, however, if 16 Senators sign a motion to that effectHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate action

Cloture

Cloture is how the Senate ends debate and moves toward a vote. At least 16 senators must sign a cloture motion. It passes with the votes of three-fifths of all senators who have been chosen and sworn in. After that, time on the bill is limited to 30 hours.

From the official record:

Cloture is the means by which the Senate limits debate on a measure or matter.Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Cloture procedure · Cloture procedureDebate may be closed, however, if 16 Senators sign a motion to that effect and the motion is carried by three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIV, Senate actionmatter to which it applies is limited to 30 hoursRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Cloture procedure · Cloture procedure

Motion to recommit (House)

In the House, a motion to recommit asks to send a bill back to committee just before the final vote on passing it. The Speaker gives the first chance to offer it to a minority-party member who opposes the bill.

From the official record:

the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommitHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Special resolution or ruleit is in order to offer one motion to recommit the bill or joint resolution to a committee, and the Speaker gives preference in recognition for that purpose to a minority party Member who is opposed to the bill or joint resolutionHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XI, Motion to recommit

Motion to commit (Senate)

In the Senate, a motion to commit asks to send the bill being debated to a committee. Senators can add instructions, such as telling the committee to report the bill back by a set time.

From the official record:

Any bill or resolution under consideration in the Senate is subject to a motion to commit, recommit or referRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Recommit · Recommitinstructions may be added to a motion to recommitRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Recommit · Recommitif a motion is made to recommit with instructions that the committee report back the bill or resolution within 30 daysRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Recommit · Recommit

Votes

Quorum

A quorum is the number of members who must be present for the House or Senate to do business. The Constitution sets it at a majority of each chamber.

From the official record:

a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do BusinessThe Constitution of the United States, House Document 110-50 · Article I, Section 5A quorum is the number of members who must be presentHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VI, Consideration by committee

Voice vote

In a voice vote, members in favor say aye and members against say no, and the presiding officer decides which side has more. A member can ask for a recorded vote instead.

From the official record:

In a voice vote, the Chair first asks those in favor of the question to say aye, and then asks those opposed to say noRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Voting · VotingThe Chair determines the result on a comparison of the volume of ayes and noes.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XI, VotingIf any Member requests a recorded vote and that request is supported by at least one-fifth of a quorum of the HouseHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XI, Voting

Roll call vote

A roll call vote, also called a recorded vote, shows how each member voted. The House votes with an electronic system. In the Senate, the clerk calls each senator's name.

From the official record:

the vote is taken by electronic device. After the recorded vote is concluded, the names of those voting and those not voting are entered in the Journal.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XI, VotingA rollcall vote begins when the first Senator responds to his or her nameRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Voting · Voting

Between the chambers and the President

Engrossed

The engrossed bill is the official copy of a bill as it passed one chamber, with all the changes that chamber agreed to. From then on it is formally called an Act.

From the official record:

the Enrolling Clerk prepares the engrossed copy of the bill as passed, containing all the amendments agreed to by the HouseHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIII, Engrossment and message to Senatethe measure ceases technically to be called a bill and is termed An ActHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIII, Engrossment and message to Senate

Conference committee and conference report

A conference committee is a group of House and Senate members chosen to settle the differences between the two chambers' versions of a bill. Their deal is the conference report. Each chamber must accept or reject it as a whole, with no changes.

From the official record:

request or agree to a conference with the Senate to resolve the disagreeing votes of the two HousesHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XV, Final action on amended billthey make their recommendations in a reportHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XV, Conference reportsThe report is not subject to amendment in either body and must be accepted or rejected as an entirety.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XV, Conference reports

Enrolled

The enrolled bill is the final copy, after the House and the Senate have passed it in exactly the same words. It is printed on parchment and sent to the President.

From the official record:

When a bill has been agreed to in identical form by both bodiesHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XVII, Enrollmenta copy of the bill is enrolled for presentation to the PresidentHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XVII, EnrollmentThe enrolled bill is printed on parchment paperHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XVII, Enrollment

Veto and override

A veto is when the President refuses to sign a bill and sends it back to Congress with objections. Congress can override the veto if two-thirds of the House and two-thirds of the Senate vote to pass the bill anyway. Then it becomes law.

From the official record:

If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originatedThe Constitution of the United States, House Document 110-50 · Article I, Section 7, Clause 2If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law.The Constitution of the United States, House Document 110-50 · Article I, Section 7, Clause 2

Pocket veto

A pocket veto happens when the President does not sign a bill and Congress has adjourned, so the bill cannot be sent back. The bill does not become law, even though the President never returned it with objections.

From the official record:

However, if Congress by their adjournment prevent its return, it does not become law. This is known as a pocket vetoHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XVIII, Presidential actionthe bill does not become law even though the President has not sent his objections to the CongressHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XVIII, Presidential action

Became law without signature

A bill can become law without the President's signature. This happens if the President does not sign it or send it back within 10 days, not counting Sundays. Congress must still be in session.

From the official record:

If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed itThe Constitution of the United States, House Document 110-50 · Article I, Section 7, Clause 2The bill may become law without the President's signatureHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XVIII, Presidential action

Public law

Once a bill becomes law, it gets a public law number. The first part is the number of the Congress, and the second counts the laws in order. For example, Public Law 110-1 was the first public law of the 110th Congress.

From the official record:

The public and private law numbers run in sequence starting anew at the beginning of each Congress and are prefixed for ready identification by the number of the Congress.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIX, Publicationthe first public law of the 110th Congress is designated Public Law 110-1How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XIX, Publication

Money

Fiscal year

The federal budget year is called the fiscal year. It runs from October 1 to September 30. Spending laws can give money for one fiscal year, for several, or with no time limit.

From the official record:

The fiscal year of the Treasury begins on October 1 of each year and ends on September 30 of the following year.31 U.S.C. 1102 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 31 U.S.C. 1102Appropriations may be provided for one fiscal year, severalRiddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Appropriations · Appropriations

Appropriation

An appropriation is a law that lets the government spend money from the Treasury. The Constitution says no money can be spent without one. Appropriations bills are often called spending bills.

From the official record:

An appropriation is the legal authority that allows government entities to incur obligations which result in payments from the Treasury for designated purposes.Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Appropriations · AppropriationsNo Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by LawThe Constitution of the United States, House Document 110-50 · Article I, Section 9, Clause 7only if the law specifically states that an appropriation is made31 U.S.C. 1301 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 31 U.S.C. 1301(d)

Authorization

An authorization is a law that creates or continues a program and allows money to be set aside for it. It does not provide the money itself. That takes a separate appropriation, and Congress can choose to give less or nothing.

From the official record:

It is the general practice of Congress to create programs and authorize appropriations therefor in authorizing legislation, after which it provides the budget authority to fund those programs in one or more appropriations act.Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Appropriations · AppropriationsEither or both Houses may refuse to appropriate for any object, either in whole or in part, even though that object may be authorized by law.Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Appropriations · Appropriations

Continuing resolution

A continuing resolution, or CR, is a temporary spending law. It keeps programs running until their regular spending bills pass or a set date arrives. For example, the one for fiscal 2026 kept programs going at the rates set for fiscal 2025, until January 30, 2026, at the latest.

From the official record:

Making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026H.R. 5371, 119th Congress, as passed by both chambers (enrolled): continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 · H.R. 5371, titleat a rate for operations as provided in the applicable appropriations Acts for fiscal year 2025H.R. 5371, 119th Congress, as passed by both chambers (enrolled): continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 · H.R. 5371, sec. 101shall be available until whichever of the following first occursH.R. 5371, 119th Congress, as passed by both chambers (enrolled): continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 · H.R. 5371, sec. 106The enactment into law of the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026 without any provision for such project or activity.H.R. 5371, 119th Congress, as passed by both chambers (enrolled): continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 · H.R. 5371, sec. 106(2) and (3)January 30, 2026.H.R. 5371, 119th Congress, as passed by both chambers (enrolled): continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 · H.R. 5371, sec. 106(3)

Rescission

A rescission cancels money Congress already provided. The President can ask Congress to rescind money. If Congress does not pass a rescission bill within 45 days of session, the money must be made available to spend.

From the official record:

means a bill or joint resolution which only rescinds, in whole or in part, budget authority2 U.S.C. 682 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 682(3)such budget authority should be rescinded for fiscal policy or other reasons2 U.S.C. 683 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 683(a)shall be made available for obligation unless, within the prescribed 45-day period, the Congress has completed action on a rescission bill2 U.S.C. 683 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 683(b)

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a special budget process. The budget resolution tells committees to change laws on spending or taxes to meet its goals. In the Senate, the bill that results moves faster. A majority of senators can move it ahead, instead of the larger number usually needed to end debate.

From the official record:

Reconciliation is a multiple-step process designed to bring existing law in conformity with the most recently adopted concurrent resolution on the budget.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XII, Congressional budget processinstructing House and Senate committees to determine and recommend changes in laws that will achieve the constraints established in the concurrent resolution on the budgetHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XII, Congressional budget processIn the Senate, reconciliation bills reported from committee are entitled to expedited consideration, permitting a majority of Senators, rather than sixty, to ensure consideration of the bill with limited time for amendments.How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part XII, Congressional budget process

Direct spending

Direct spending, also called mandatory spending, is money spent under laws other than spending bills. It includes benefits that people have a right to by law, and SNAP food aid.

From the official record:

The term direct spending means2 U.S.C. 900 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)budget authority provided by law other than appropriation Acts2 U.S.C. 900 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)(A)entitlement authority; and (C) the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program2 U.S.C. 900 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)(B) and (C)

Pay-as-you-go (PAYGO)

Pay-as-you-go, or PAYGO, is a law about new tax and direct spending laws. Its goal is that, taken together, they do not add to the deficit.

From the official record:

The purpose of this chapter is to reestablish a statutory procedure to enforce a rule of budget neutrality on new revenue and direct spending legislation.2 U.S.C. 931 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 931

Cost estimate

A cost estimate predicts how a bill would change federal spending and revenue. A committee report on a bill must include one from the Congressional Budget Office.

From the official record:

The report of a committee on a measure must includeHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VII, Contents of reportsa cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget OfficeHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part VII, Contents of reports

Offices and the record

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

The Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, is an office of Congress. It gives members and committees facts and numbers about the budget, including what bills would cost.

From the official record:

There is established an office of the Congress to be known as the Congressional Budget Office2 U.S.C. 601 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 601(a)(1)to provide to the Committees on the Budget of both Houses information which will assist such committees2 U.S.C. 602 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 602(a)analyzing the budgetary or financial impact of any proposed legislation2 U.S.C. 602 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 602(c)(2)

Congressional Research Service (CRS)

The Congressional Research Service, or CRS, is part of the Library of Congress. It studies bills and issues for members and committees, and the law says it must work without partisan bias. It also writes the official summaries of bills.

From the official record:

is hereby continued as a separate department in the Library of Congress and is redesignated the Congressional Research Service2 U.S.C. 166 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 166(a)It shall be the duty of the Congressional Research Service, without partisan bias2 U.S.C. 166 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 166(d)to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature2 U.S.C. 166 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · 2 U.S.C. 166(d)(6)

Ranking member

The ranking member is the leading member of the minority party on a committee. The ranking member often shares control of debate time with the committee chair.

From the official record:

The chairman or the ranking minority member of the relevant committee often introduces the billHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part III, Sources of legislationto be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee onHow Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · Part X, Special resolution or rule

Sources

We keep a copy of each source, and an automatic check confirms every quote above appears in it word for word.

  1. How Our Laws Are Made, House Document 110-49 (2007), by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian of the House · retrieved November 2, 2026
  2. The Constitution of the United States, House Document 110-50 · retrieved November 2, 2026
  3. Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Appropriations · retrieved November 2, 2026
  4. Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Cloture procedure · retrieved November 2, 2026
  5. Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Recommit · retrieved November 2, 2026
  6. Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Unanimous consent agreements · retrieved November 2, 2026
  7. Riddick's Senate Procedure, Senate Document 101-28 (1992): Voting · retrieved November 2, 2026
  8. 2 U.S.C. 166 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  9. 2 U.S.C. 601 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  10. 2 U.S.C. 602 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  11. 2 U.S.C. 622 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  12. 2 U.S.C. 682 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  13. 2 U.S.C. 683 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  14. 2 U.S.C. 900 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  15. 2 U.S.C. 931 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  16. 5 U.S.C. 801 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  17. 5 U.S.C. 802 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  18. 31 U.S.C. 1102 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  19. 31 U.S.C. 1301 (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · retrieved November 2, 2026
  20. H.R. 5371, 119th Congress, as passed by both chambers (enrolled): continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 · retrieved November 2, 2026