Reply #21: He can't--only a member of Congress can introduce it [View All]

[frazzled]

Anyone--even you or me (or the president)--can write a bill, but only a member of Congress can introduce it as legislation.

Let me direct you to "Building a Bill in Congress ... for Dummies"

In the congressional context, a bill is simply a proposal, an idea, that's written up in legislation and presented to the Congress.

Starting with an idea
It all starts with an idea, a simple concept. You take that idea to your representative or senator because you see a need, you have a cause, and you want it to become a law.

Remember that only members of Congress can propose resolutions that are considered by the entire body. Your task comes down to convincing a member to actually want to introduce your idea.

Anyone can write up, or draft a bill, but only a member of Congress can introduce it.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/building-a-bill-in-congress.html

And of course, once that "bill" (remember, it's a proposal) is introduced, it has to go through relevant committees and undergo regular amendment procedures, etc.