#70: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #70: How do Members of Congress introduce bills?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Congressional Rules and Procedures
Q&A #70: How do Members obtain permission to speak?
A bill that is to be introduced is typed on a special House or Senate form and signed by the Representative or Senator who will introduce it.
In the House, a Representative may introduce a bill any time the House is in session by placing it in a special box known as the ‘‘hopper,’’ which is located on the Clerk’s desk in the House Chamber.
A Senator introduces a bill by delivering it to a clerk on the Senate floor while the Senate is in session, although it is formally accepted only during a period of time set aside in the Senate for the transacting of routine morning business.
My Thoughts
The phrase “in the hopper” is used figuratively to mean that something in is preparation, under consideration. The term was first used in connection with farming and mining and refers to a funnel-shaped receptable for bulk materials such as grain, rock, and coal. Since a hopper tapers downward, it allows for the material to be discharged at a manageable pace.
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Back next time with Q&A #71: When does a bill, introduced at the beginning of a Congress, become ‘‘dead’’ and no longer open to considerations?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
March 27, 2025