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Bills and Resolutions

This guide describes BC's status in the Federal Depository Library Program and introduces major federal government document resources.

What are bills?

A bill is a proposed new law. When a bill is passed in identical form by both the Senate and the House, it is sent to the president for his signature.  If the president signs the bill, it becomes a law.  Laws are also known as Acts of Congress. Statute is another word that is used interchangeably with law. 

  • Public bills affect everyone
  • Private bills apply to a particular individual or group
  • Senate designation "S"
  • House designation "H.R."

Vocabulary  Reminders

 

Regulations: Rules and administrative codes issued by government agencies at all levels (municipal, county, state, and federal) Have the force of law. 

Statues: Federal or state written laws  (or "acts") enacted by Congress or state legislatures 

What are resolutions?

Joint Resolutions

  • For the most part virtually the same as bills
  • Exception to the above: Constitutional amendments are introduced as joint resolutions; if passed in identical form by both houses of Congress, these go to the head of the National Archives and Records Administration for distribution to the states for ratification
  • Senate designation "S.J. Res."
  • House designation "H.J. Res."

 

Simple Resolutions

  • Apply to only the rules, the operation, or the opinion of either house alone
  • Not signed by the President
  • Senate designation "S. Res."
  • House designation "H. Res."

Concurrent Resolutions

  • Apply to the rules, the operation, or the opinion of both houses
  • Not signed by the President
  • Senate designation "S. Con. Res."
  • House designation "H. Con. Res."

Source: Johnson, Charles W. "How Our Laws Are Made." Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2003.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Legislature website has a tool to demonstrate how bills are introduced and passed into law at the state level. 

Finding Bills and Resolutions

Microfiche

  • Gov Docs Fiche: All 4 types of legislation can be found on gov docs fiche from 96th Congress (1979-1980) - present
    • Su Doc #s Senate:
      • Senate Bills Y1.4/1:
      • Senate Resolutions Y1.4/2:
      • Senate Joint Resolutions Y1.4/3:
      • Senate Concurrent Resolutions Y1.4/4:
    • Su Doc #s House of Representatives:
      • House Bills Y1.4/6:
      • House Resolutions Y1.4/7:
      • House Joint Resolutions Y1.4/8:
      • House Concurrent Resolutions Y1.4/9:
      •