The 113th Congress met for the first time today. So far, no bills have been sponsored or introduced. How do I know this? Because it’s right here on the internet.
Contrary to popular belief, there is a process to this. A bill is not a law until it has gone through the process. It is introduced, it is given a number and a title, and it gets heard by a committee. If the committee decides not to table it, it gets debated on the floor. Then it goes back for revision. Then it gets debated again. Then it goes back for revision. Then it gets debated again. This can go on for quite some time.
If it survives that far, the House and Senate have to agree on it. If there are differences, it goes to a conference committee to hash them out. If that works, a conference report is written, which must again be endorsed by both the House and Senate. Continued...