Bill to Law: WA Edition
This bicameral body, along with the House, enacts laws in Washington State.
What is the Washington State Legislature?
These professional advocates influence lawmakers on behalf of special interests.
Who are lobbyists?
To draw blood!
Why did the nurse need a red crayon?
This committee in the Senate focuses on health care and long-term care issues, often reviewing bills impacting advanced practice nurses.
What is the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care?
These two chambers make up the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
What are the House of Representatives and the Senate?
Before a bill reaches the floor, it's reviewed by these specialized committees.
What are standing committees?
This elected official represents a state in the upper chamber of Congress.
Who is a Senator?
In a Dad-a-base.
Where do dads keep their jokes?
After clearing the Senate Health Committee, a bill might head to this one for further scrutiny on fiscal matters.
What is the Senate Ways & Means Committee?
Before reaching the full House, bills are first debated in these smaller groups.
What are subcommittees?
A public hearing where citizens can voice their opinions on a bill is called this.
What is a committee hearing?
This elected official represents a district in the lower chamber of Congress.
Who is a Representative?
She was feeling crummy.
Why did the cookie go to the NPs office?
In the House, the first stop for many healthcare bills is this committee which oversees public health issues.
What is the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness?
A bill must pass both chambers by a simple majority to be sent to this next step.
Who is the President?
If a bill passes both chambers, it needs the signature of this elected official to become law.
Who is the Governor?
These legislative assistants support the work of Senators and Representatives.
Who are aides?
His chocolate was chipped.
Why did the cookie go to the dentist?
If a bill involves appropriations or budgeting, it likely needs approval from this powerful committee in the House.
What is the House Appropriations Committee?
If the President vetoes a bill, it can still become law through this process.
What is overriding a veto?
This rarely used process allows citizens to directly propose laws through petition.
What is an initiative?
These specialized committees, composed of members from both the Senate and House, may be convened to resolve differences between versions of a bill passed by each chamber.
What are conference committees?
He was feeling half-baked.
Why did the cookie see the psych NP?
Once approved by the relevant committees in both chambers, a bill faces final consideration on the respective Senate and House floors, often referred to as these.
What are the "floors" or "second and third readings"?
The longest bill in U.S. history, clocking in at over 8,000 pages, was nicknamed this.
What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare?