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Government Publications

The federal government publishes many different documents. These links will help you find congressional documents such as committee reports and the Congressional Record; executive branch publications such as the Code of Federal Regulations; and historic documents like the Declaration of Independence. You can also link to selected government reports.

 

Locating Government Publications

Read how-to guides on finding government publications and link to selected websites on locating documents.

How to . . .

Bibliographies

GPO Federal Digital System (FDSYS)

Depository Libraries in Your State

Federal Government Resources on the Web


Locating Laws

The United States Code is a compilation of most public laws currently in force, organized by subject matter into 50 titles. The U.S. Code collates the original law with subsequent amendments, and it deletes language that has later been repealed or superseded.

Search the United States Code


Search Specific Congressional Publications on the Web

Many congressional documents are available on the Web. Here are links to popular types of publications.

Bills or Public Laws

Committee Reports

Selected Committee Hearings

Congressional Record


The Serial Set

The United States Congressional Serial Set contains House and Senate documents and reports. The Serial Set began publication in the 15th Congress, 1st Session (1817). Documents before 1817 may be found in the American State Papers .

Overview of the U.S. Congressional Serial Set (pdf)


Search for Presidential Documents and Agency Rules on the Web

Many presidential documents and agency publications are available on the Web. Here are links to popular types of publications.

Presidential Documents

Executive Orders

Presidential Decision Directives

Code of Federal Regulations (regulations in force)

Federal Register  (proposed and final regulations)

Comment on Federal Regulations


Historical Publications

Many historical government documents are available the web. Here are some popular publications and some useful websites.

Constitution

Declaration of Independence

Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875

Historical Documents on THOMAS

Core Documents of U.S. Democracy


Selected Documents

Links to some often-requested publications from across the federal government. For links to popular documents in the current Congress, see the Popular Reports section of the Active Legislation chart.

9-11 Attacks: Joint Inquiry, Senate and House Intelligence Committees

Abu Ghraib, Department of Defense Detention Operations, Final Report

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Freedom from War, State Department Publication 7277 (1961)

Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance Trust Funds (pdf)

Roswell Report

Senate Document 74-264, Modern Miracle Men (1936) (pdf)

Social Security "Notch" Report

The Sociology and Psychology of Terrorism: Who Becomes a Terrorist and Why?  (pdf)

Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund


Related Items

Interested in related materials? Take a look at these Virtual Reference Desk subjects for more information.

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Committees

Constitution

Frequently Asked Questions

Laws and Regulations

Legislative Process

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