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Order Code 98-706 GOV
Updated December 8, 2006
SCRS Report for Congress
Bills and Resolutions:
Examples of How Each Kind Is Used
Richard S. Beth
Specialist in the Legislative Process
Government and Finance Division
When Congress seeks to pass a law, it uses a bill or joint resolution, which must be
passed by both houses in identical form, then presented to the President for his approval
or disapproval. To regulate its own internal affairs, or for other purposes where authority
of law is not necessary, Congress uses a concurrent resolution (requiring adoption by both
houses) or a simple resolution (requiring action only in the house of origin). More
detailed descriptions appear in CRS Report 98-728, Bills, Resolutions, Nominations, and
Treaties: Origins, Deadlines, Requirements, and Uses.
Congress may use each of the four forms of measure it employs for a variety of
purposes. This fact sheet identifies the most prevalent uses of each and, as appropriate,
gives brief explanations of these uses. For more information on legislative process, see
[http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml].
Bills (H.R. or S.)
Authorization or reauthorization of federal policies, programs, and
activities
Amendment of existing law (sometimes also by joint resolution)
Establishment of federal departments and agencies, or alteration of their
structure
Revenue (tax) legislation (originates in House only)
Regular annual general appropriations
Supplemental appropriations (sometimes also by joint resolution)
Reconciliation bill (alters spending authority pursuant to instructions in
a congressional budget resolution)
Private bill (provides specified benefits to named individuals)
Joint Resolutions (S.J.Res. or H.J.Res.)
Incidental, inferior, or unusual purposes of legislation (House Manual,
section 397)
Declaration of war
Continuing resolution (extends appropriations for specified purposes
until regular appropriations are enacted)
Congressional Research Service , The Library of Congress
Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/crsmthaahii0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)