Are we sure?

In the Senate, too, the bill is first dealt with by a committee. Just as in the House of Representatives, followed by a debate (if deemed necessary) and voting. The Senate focuses on the practicability of the new law and considers whether the proposal is well conceived. However, the bill can no longer be amended, because the Senate has only the right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the proposal.

The Senate may ask for assurances from the minister, for instance about the implementation of the law. Since the Senate has the authority to reject the bill, the minister must listen carefully to objections raised by the Senate, and sometimes give an undertaking to do something about them later.