Federal Legislative History Research: Further Research

Mission is to explain the work and role of Congress. Information on Congress is presented in a variety of ways, including newspaper op-eds, radio commentaries, website articles and brochures, teaching materials, conferences, books, television spots, and videos and interactive learning programs for students.

A non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, which promotes understanding of Congress and its leaders through archival, research, and educational programs. The Dirksen Center developed and maintains the Congressional Timeline, which provides an array of over 550 U.S. laws dating back to 1933 and a timeline of major political events.

Publications to learn about the legislative process (Library of Congress).

Guide to Congress. 7th ed. Los Angeles: CQ Press, 2013. Provides an overview of the U.S. Congress, including origins and development, powers, procedures, relations with other branches of government and with the electorate, data and documents, and more. [print and online]

This is a web-friendly presentation of the PDF "How Our Laws Are Made" (House Document 110-49); revised and updated by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian, United States House of Representatives, July 2007.

Provides access to historical rules and precedents of the House, and includes the title Deschler-Brown Precedents of the United States House of Representatives and other precedents.

Senate Manual: containing the standing rules, orders, laws, and resolutions affecting the business of the United States Senate; Jefferson's Manual, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, etc. Prepared under the direction of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Washington, D.C.: G.P.O. New editions are published each Congress.

The 2005 publication (Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005) provides biographical, archival, and bibliographical information for all senators, representatives, vice presidents, and members of the Continental Congress who served between 1774-2005.

A frequently updated version.

The Congressional Directory is the official directory of the U.S. Congress, prepared by the Joint Committee on Printing (JCP). Published since 1888, the Congressional Directory presents short biographies of each member of the Senate and House, listed by state or district, and additional data, such as committee memberships, terms of service, administrative assistants and/or secretaries, and room and telephone numbers. It also lists officials of the courts, military establishments, and other Federal departments and agencies, including D.C. government officials, governors of states and territories, foreign diplomats, and members of the press, radio, and television galleries.

Washington: GPO. A photographic directory of leaders and members of the United States Congress and other key officials including the President. (Print; online at GovInfo.gov and HeinOnline).

Offers reporting on the major activities of the U.S. Congress, including detailed information on political issues during each congressional session back to 1945. (Online; for print, see IUCAT).

Provides original, comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news.

(earlier titles: CQ Weekly, Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report): Weekly news magazine that covers current events on Capitol Hill, with legislative and election news and analysis. A complete source for expert coverage of the U.S. Congress: status of bills, votes and amendments, floor and committee activity, and backroom maneuvering.

Impartial data on Congress and its members.

Washington: CQ Press. A source for information on U.S. governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations. Features contact information for Congress, federal agencies, international, national, and local organizations and offices.

a U.S. Congress-Year Conversion Guide

A guide related to all things about the interface.

Help and support, including user guides, quick reference guides, and how-to guides.

Adapted from a presentation by Ms. Virginia Saunders, Congressional Documents Specialist, in GPO's Congressional Printing Management Division.