Bill Summary
Upon introduction of a bill or resolution in the House or Senate, legislative analysts in the Congressional Research.
Plain-English Meaning
Upon introduction of a bill or resolution in the House or Senate, legislative analysts in the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress write a short summary that objectively describes the measure’s significant provisions. Introduced version summaries are subject to length limitations as a matter of policy. When a measure receives action (e.g., it is reported from a committee or passed by the House or Senate), the analysts then write an expanded summary, detailing the measure’s effect upon programs and current law. Bill summaries are written as a result of a congressional action and may not always correspond to a document published by the Government Publishing Office. A final public law summary is prepared upon enactment into law. Each summary description identifies the date and version of the measure: e.g., Passed House (03/08/2019).