Government Glossary

Bill

The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a.

Plain-English Meaning

The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law. In the Guide to Government, this term should be read in context: who has authority, what process applies, what official record shows the decision, and what limits or rights are involved.

Related Guide Pages

CongressA true Congress home page for understanding the House, Senate, lawmaking, committees, oversight, federal powers, member work, and official records.Congressional CommitteesA practical guide to House, Senate, select, special, and joint committees: what they do, how hearings and markup work, and where to find official committee pages.How a Bill Becomes a LawA complete plain-English guide to how an idea becomes a federal bill, moves through committees and floor votes, reaches the President, and becomes public law.