6 Steps Referral to Committee – Most cases, a bill introduced in Congress is referred to a committee – Committee consideration is crucial – Without committee approval, bills usually don’t go to full House or Senate Hearings – Committee and subcommittee hearings—open to public – Supporters and opponents testify – Interest groups testify Markup – Usually take place at the full committee level – Markup is the exact phrasing—line by line – Time consuming and precise – Lot of detail – Now, bill must get full committee support