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Federal Legislative History Research

Print and digital resources for federal legislative history research.

Legislative History Overview

What is a Legislative History?

The compilation of documents produced during the legislative process of a law is called the legislative history. These documents contain the information considered by a legislature, prior to reaching a decision on whether or not to enact a law.

 

When are Legislative Histories used?

  • To seek the current status of a bill
  • To determine where a bill is in the legislative process 
  • To determine the intent or meaning of an enacted law through the consideration of the documents produced in the process (statutory intent).

 

Legislative Terms

Not sure of the difference between an engrossed bill and an enrolled bill? Check Senate Glossary of Legislative Terms. 

 

Legislative History Materials

  • Bills

  • Legislative Hearing Transcripts

  • Committee Reports

  • Congressional Debate Transcripts

  • Committee Prints

  • Other Committee Documents

Congressional Sessions

Not sure when the 104th Congress was in session?  The dates for each Session of Congress can be found here: Dates of Congressional Sessions

Library of Congress Federal Legislative History: A Beginner's Guide

A comprehensive research guide on finding federal legislative history documents, including congressional committee reports and hearings, presidential signing statements, and the debates of Congress.

Legislative History Guides

An introductory guide to policy and federal legislative history research, prepared by the Congressional Research Service.