Only a member of the relevant chamber formally introduces a bill, although an administration, interest group, constituent, or staff member may draft or propose its language. House bills receive H.R. numbers and Senate bills S. numbers; numbering identifies origin rather than likelihood of passage.

Introduction triggers referral under chamber rules and makes the text publicly identifiable. It is not a floor endorsement, committee approval, or presidential proposal with legal force. Most introduced bills never receive every subsequent stage.

When a question says an organization "introduced" legislation, check whether it means political sponsorship or formal parliamentary action. An outside group may persuade a member to introduce its proposal, but the member places it in the congressional process and assumes formal sponsorship.

Video lesson: How a Bill Becomes a Law: Crash Course Government and Politics #9