This guide is a companion to our Federal Legislative History Research Guide, which introduces the process of researching legislative history and explains its significance in legal research. While that guide provides a broader overview, this resource offers a detailed breakdown of where and how to locate specific types of federal legislative documents. Researchers new to legislative history may prefer to use each guide in conjunction with one another.
Use the links on the left to find access, suggested databases, and research tips for locating:
Federal bills
Public laws
Statutes at Large
Committee reports
Committee prints
House and Senate documents
Congressional Record
Committee hearings
Presidential signing statements
Each section includes guidance on both historical and current documents, with links to both free and subscription-based tools.
