The Council is the city’s legislative body, responsible for crafting laws for the nation’s capital. Once a Councilmember introduces a bill, or proposes a law, it is assigned to one of the Council’s committees to consider. Committees solicit comment through a public hearing and other means, giving the public an opportunity to voice opinions on the bill. If the committee recommends the Council adopt the bill into law, the bill is reviewed by the Committee of the Whole. Thereafter, the Council considers the legislation in two separate Council meetings, which must be separated by at least 13 days. Once a majority of the Council votes in favor of the bill, it becomes law, pending review by the Mayor and U.S. Congress.