Finding Legislative History Steve Donweber Spring 2011

The Legislative Process How a bill becomes law. Documents are produced at every stage of the process. Very important to know which documents are produced at which stages.

The Bill Bills have multiple versions. Normally, when a bill is introduced, it is read into the record and then immediately referred to the appropriate committee. There may be an introductory statement by the sponsor.

Stuck in Committee The most important stuff in the evolution of a bill happens in committee Hearings Committee Reports “Death” in Committee

Hearings How to find hearing transcripts? –Hearing # –Name of legislation –Name of committee –Name of witness –Other citation information

Committee Reports The most important aspect of legislative history How to find? –Report # –Name of legislation –Name of committee –Other citation information

Floor Action Debates Vote Where to find? Congressional Record –Thomas -- –FedSys -- –LexisNexis Congressional –Westlaw –Print –Library of Congress Find by legislation, sponsor, speaker, or date

Head to the other Chamber Debate and Vote Possible conference report –Very important –Find the way you find regular committee reports

President Veto or Sign Signing Statement Where to find information? –Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (GPO Access) –U.S.C.C.A.N.

Public Law Where to find? –Statutes at Large –Thomas –GPO Access

Finding Compiled Legislative Histories Hein Online LexisNexis U.S.C.C.A.N. Thomas - Bill Summary & Status