GODS OF CONGRESS

How Congress works

The Senate

100 senators, two from each state, serve six-year terms. About one-third are up for election every two years. The Senate confirms presidential nominees and approves treaties.

senate.gov

The House of Representatives

435 voting representatives, apportioned by population after each census, serve two-year terms. Six non-voting delegates represent D.C. and the territories. Revenue bills must start in the House.

house.gov

How a bill becomes law

  1. A member of the House or Senate introduces a bill.
  2. The bill goes to a committee, which can hold hearings, amend it, and vote to report it.
  3. The full chamber debates and votes on it.
  4. The other chamber considers and passes the same bill, or the chambers work out a single version.
  5. The President signs it into law or vetoes it. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Learn more: Congress.gov: The legislative process.

Contacting your members

Every member has a Washington, D.C. office and local offices. You can call, use the contact form on their official website, or visit. Offices generally give the most weight to messages from constituents, so include your address or ZIP code.

How to contact your members