an act of congress is a statute enacted by the united states congress according to the powers granted to it by the constitution of the united states. the term can be used in other countries with a legislature called a "congress," such as the congress of the philippines. but most often the term is associated with the united states congress. in the us, there are several steps from a bill or resolution becoming a law. it must first be passed by a majority of both of the houses of congress. then the bill or resolution is sent to get signed by the president. it becomes an act of congress by either the president's signature or, if the president does not return the bill or resolution within ten days.