The Process of Making Law

The people’s right to know the process by which government decisions are made, and to review the documents and statistics leading up to those determinations, is fundamental to our society. Such access should not be thwarted by shrouding those determinations and records in a cloak of secrecy or confidentiality. The legislature declares that governmental decision-making is the public’s business and, therefore, shall be open to the people.

The lawmaking branch of the federal government is Congress, which makes new laws and changes to existing ones. Bills originate with members of the House of Representatives or Senate, either during their terms in office or through election campaigns, or are petitioned by people or citizen groups. During their consideration, bills are assigned to committees to research, discuss, and make changes.

A committee report provides the public with a detailed explanation of the purpose and scope of a proposed law. This is a key part of the legislative history and is used by courts, executive departments, and citizens to interpret laws and determine their meanings. The committee staff prepares the report and, if it is voted to recommend approval of a bill, it must contain a section-by-section analysis that sets forth precisely what the law would accomplish.

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