Government Glossary

Text Similarities

Short Definition

Legislation that is substantially similar in both text and meaning. Relationships indicated on this basis also include.

Long Explanation

Legislation that is substantially similar in both text and meaning. Relationships indicated on this basis also include cases where language of one measure is found intact in another, often larger, measure. Identical bills, companion measures, and procedurally-related measures are other related bill types. Read more About Related Bills.

In practice, Text Similarities is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to government records, official decisions, public services, or civic responsibilities. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.

Examples

Simple exampleA visitor sees “Text Similarities” on an official page and uses the term as a clue about which agency, branch, rule, record, or service is involved.
Civic exampleA reader checks the official source, identifies who has authority, and follows related Guide pages when the term connects to a larger public issue.

Common Misconception

A common mistake is treating Text Similarities as a slogan instead of a term connected to a specific public process. The safest approach is to ask what authority, document, deadline, office, or public record gives the term its meaning.

Related Terms

Legislative ProcessLegislation

Related Guide Pages

CongressThe Branch That Writes: a clear home base for House and Senate representation, lawmaking, committees, oversight, federal powers, member work, and official records.

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