Who has the authority to introduce bills in Congress?

Members of Congress have the exclusive authority to introduce bills in Congress, which includes both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This process is a key function of legislative responsibility; only those elected to serve in Congress have the formal role of proposing legislation for consideration.

This authority is rooted in the U.S. Constitution, primarily in Article I, Section 7, which outlines the legislative powers granted to Congress. By allowing only members of Congress to introduce bills, the legislative process ensures that elected representatives are directly accountable to their constituents for the laws they propose and enact.

While the President can influence legislation, often by recommending measures and working with members of Congress, the actual introduction of bills comes from Congress members. Similarly, governors can propose legislation at the state level, but their role does not extend to federal legislative activities. Lastly, while any citizen can advocate for laws or suggest ideas, they cannot formally introduce bills to Congress without a congressional member acting on their behalf.