What happens to a bill after it leaves a committee in the House?

Once a bill leaves a committee in the House of Representatives, it is necessary for it to go through the Rules Committee before it can be debated on the floor. The Rules Committee plays a crucial role in determining how, when, and under what conditions the bill will be presented to the entire House for consideration. This includes setting the rules for debate, the length of time allocated for discussion, and whether amendments can be made during the floor consideration. This step is vital in managing the legislative agenda and ensuring that the House can efficiently address numerous bills.

In contrast, while it might seem logical for a bill to be voted on immediately or sent directly to the Senate, these steps come later in the legislative process, after the Rules Committee has done its work. Thus, the correct answer reflects the necessary procedural step that facilitates organized debate and voting in the House.