A bill is a proposed law introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
A bill originating in the House is designated by the letters “H.R.” followed by a number and bills introduced in the Senate as “S.” followed by a number.
The sequential numbering of bills for each session of Congress began in the House in 1817 and in the Senate in 1847.
In 1975, Schoolhouse Rock aired a very popular educational segment, “I’m Just a Bill,” introducing children to the concept of how a bill becomes a law.
Use of “Bill” in a sentence
- The proposed bill, aiming to reform the healthcare system, faced intense scrutiny in committee before it could be presented for a vote on the senate floor.
- Lawmakers debated the merits of the new environmental bill, which promised to significantly reduce carbon emissions over the next decade.
- After months of negotiations, the education bill, which included provisions for increased funding for public schools, was finally passed by a narrow margin in the legislature after multiple filibuster threats.