Making laws
sponsor
The member of Congress who introduces a measure. Members who formally add their support afterward are cosponsors.
In full
Only a sitting member may introduce legislation, and the introducer is its sponsor. Any number of colleagues may sign on as cosponsors, a public signal of support that costs nothing but often predicts a measure's chances. The executive branch and members of the public can suggest legislation, but a member must carry it.
Also written as: cosponsor, cosponsors
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.