The Bill Process

In the United States, in both chambers, a bill is a proposed piece of legislation to be considered by the legislature. All bills originating in the House of Representatives begin with "H.R.", and all bills originating in the the Senate begin with an "S.". There is no legal difference between a bill and a joint resolution; both are executed in the same manner. A joint resolution, is a legislative measure that requires approval by the Senate and the House and is passed on to the President for decision. Additionally, joint resolutions have the same effect as bills, and are titled as "H. J. Res." or "S. J. Res." depending on chamber of origination. A joint resolution and bill may have the same number in the archives although they're technically different pieces of legislation. A simple resolution, is a legislative form used for matters that relate to an individual chamber of Congress; often to change the rules of the chamber, or organize a debate for a related bill. The resolution must be agreed to in the chamber of original proposal. Finally, laws enacted by way of a joint resolution are not distinguished from laws enacted by a bill, except only in name in that they are designated as resolutions as opposed to acts.