The Legislative Process

As you help move the Federal Government to action in stopping Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), we want to make sure you are familiar with the legislative process and can see first-hand why it is so very important that your legislators hear from you about how stopping SCA is a critical issue.

The Legislative Process

The U.S. Congress consists of two separate bodies, the House of Representatives and the Senate, both of which introduce, consider, and pass legislation. To begin the legislative process, bills are introduced in either body and referred to committees with responsibility for the subject matter of the legislation. Generally, legislation must be considered and voted out of committee before going to the full House or Senate for debate and vote. Once a bill is voted favorably by either the House or Senate, it moves to the other body for consideration. After legislation has been approved by both the House and Senate, it is sent to the President for signature or veto.

For detailed information about the legislative process, click here (PDF).