How do I cite U.S. legislation (laws in progress) in MLA Style?
Answer
Legislation and law are not the same. Legislation is the process of preparing and enacting a law. There are four types of legislation:
- Bills
- Joint Resolutions
- Concurrent resolutions
- Resolutions
You should specify the type of legislation (from the list above) as part of your citation.
MLA asks you to treat the House or the Senate that is reviewing the pending legislation as the author.
United States, Congress, Chamber Name (House or Senate). Title of Legislation. Website Name, URL. Congress number, session number if provided, Resolution or Bill Number, status of legislation.
United States, Congress, Senate. No Kings Act. Congress.gov, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4973/text. 118th Congress, Senate Bill S.4973, read 9 Sept. 2024.
United States, Congress, House. Electing a Member to a Certain Standing Committee of the House of Representatives. Congress.gov, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/1585/text?s=2&r=30. 118th Congress, House Resolution H.Res.1585, passed 20 Nov. 2024.
If you need further help, contact a librarian