Making laws
companion bill
Identical or near-identical text introduced in both chambers at once, so each can work on it in parallel instead of waiting for the other.
In full
Sponsors in the House and Senate often introduce the same measure the same week. Companion bills speed things up, since committees in both chambers can hold hearings simultaneously, and they signal bicameral support. Only one of the two numbers can actually become law, so at some point one chamber takes up the other's bill and the companion is left behind.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.