Who has the higher authority - Congress or Senate

Does a bill go to the Congress first and then the Senate?

If so, why did the bailout bill go to the senate today, and will then go back to the congress?

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Originally Posted by shotzee92

Who has the higher authority - Congress or Senate?? Does a bill go to the Congress first and then the Senate?
If so, why did the bailout bill go to the senate today, and will then go back to the congress?

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Hello shot:

Neither of the houses of congress has authority over the other. They have different functions. They BOTH initiate bills on their own. After approval in their own house, they're sent to the other house for passage, and then to the president to be signed or not. The bailout bill started in the House of Representatives because they are primarily responsible for money matters.

excon

excon,

Remember this? Schoolhouse Rock Site - America Rock I'm Just A Bill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ

Each house originates its own bills. Often you will find a senator and a congressman jointly drafting a bill to be presented to each house.

Many times, though bills evolve differently due to discussion and amendments and after passage in both houses, need to go before a committee to reconcile the differences.