Legislation

There are four types of legislation: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple resolutions. A majority of introduced legislative items are bills, which deal with domestic and foreign issues and programs and also appropriate money to various government agencies and programs. Joint resolutions are used for continuing or emergency appropriations. They can also be used to propose amendments to the Constitution. Such resolutions must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate and the House of Representatives and ratified by three-fourths of the states in order to become part of the Constitution. Both bills and joint resolutions must be approved by each chamber and signed by the president to become law.

Concurrent and simple resolutions, however, do not have the force of law. Concurrent resolutions must be passed by both chambers and are generally used to make or amend rules that apply to both houses; they can also express the sentiments of both of the houses. For example, a concurrent resolution is used to set the time of Congress' adjournment or to convey congratulations to another country on the anniversary of its independence. Simple resolutions address matters only affecting one chamber, and they are also used to express the sentiments of that chamber, such as offering condolences to the family of a deceased member of Congress or offering advice on foreign policy.

LEGISLATION AT A GLANCE

• Four types: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, simple resolutions
• Most legislation is in the form of a bill

APPROPRIATIONS

Congress must pass spending bills based on the president's recommendations and Congressional priorities. [MORE]

NOMINATIONS

The Constitution provides that the president appoints officers of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. [MORE]