One day, there was a Bill named Billy wandering around Washington D.C., trying to find the White house to change to a law. Billy would be starting College soon and wanted to fit in with the rest of his friends who became a law when they graduated High School. 

 Billy was walking on Pennsylvania Avenue on his way to the White House to become a law. While billy was walking he happened to see a Committee man about to walk into the white house gates. 

“Hey, wait Mr.Committee man”, said Billy “Can you help me become a law?” 

The congressman stopped walking and looked around to see who was talking to him. 

“Down here,” exclaimed Billy. “Oh hello, I'm sorry I didn't see you down there,” jokes the congressman, 

“ what can i help you with.” questioned the committee man. “Well, i want to become a law and i need your help,” said Billy. 

“OK i can definitely help you with becoming a law, but I must tell you all the steps first so you are prepared.” 

 “OK,” said Billy. 

 The Committee member and Billy went to sit on a nearby bench so he could tell Billy all about the process. 

“The first step to becoming a bill is when a Representative has written a bill, and the bill needs a sponsor. Members of Congress, the Executive Branch, and even outside groups can draft bills. The Representative talks with other Representatives about the bill in hopes of getting their support for it. Once a bill has a sponsor and the support of some of the Representatives, it is ready to be introduced.” explained the Committee member. 

“Wow,” Billy admired. “Tell me more.” Billy continued.

 “Second, the the Bill goes to Committee." The man started.

"When the bill reaches committee, the committee member groups of Representatives who are experts on topics such as agriculture, education, or international relations—review, research, and revise the bill before voting on whether or not to send the bill back to the House floor. If the committee members would like more information before deciding if the bill should be sent to the House floor, the bill is sent to a subcommittee. While in subcommittee, the bill is closely examined and expert opinions are gathered before it is sent back to the committee for approval.” said the Committee man.

“Third, the bill is reported by the committee. If the markup wins a majority in the committee, it moves to the floor of the full Senate for consideration. The Senate decides the rules for debate. How long the debate will go on and whether or not there will be amendments. An open rule allows for amendments and a closed rule does not. The Speaker of the House sends the bill to a committee. Open rules make it much less likely for a bill to pass because proponents of the bill can add clauses that will make it hard for the bill's proponents to vote for.” said the Committee member.

“Then if the bill wins the majority of the votes in the Senate, it moves onto the House,” the Committee man said.

“I’m getting excited already and this is only the beginning,” said billy.

“The Senate version of the bill is sent to the House. The House has an extra step, in that all bills before they go out to the floor of the House must go to the Rules Committee, which reports it out to the House. If the bill receives the majority of votes in the House, 238 or more to be exact, it passes.” said the Committee man.

“Now-” the Committee man was cut off by billy.  

“Jeez how many steps are there?” questioned Billy.

“Well if you let me talk we can get through it quicker but we're halfway through the steps,” said the Committee man reassuring Billy. “ As i was saying..." he continued, "The exact same bill has to pass both houses before it can go to the president. Usually the second house to get the bill will want to make some changes to it, and if this happens, it will go to a conference committee, which is made up of members from both houses.” exclaimed the member. “Then the bill is debated and if everyone agrees on the bill, then it is sent to be voted on by the house.” said the Committee man.

Billy just nodded his head.