Olin Library Research Guides: HON 350S: From Sputnik to Space Force: Legislative Branch

Legislative Branch Resources

In the United States, Congress and its associated agencies comprise the legislative branch. There are many types of congressional documentation, including bills, laws, hearings, and reports.

USA.gov has basic information on how a bill becomes a law. The Law Library of Congress has more detailed information on the legislative process.

Aside from books and articles, reports from the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Government Accountability Office are excellent places to start. For example, the CRS report "The President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Issues for Congress" cites legislation, executive branch documents, tables, and figures.

Congress.gov
The official portal for modern congressional legislation. Document types include bills, resolutions, committee reports, and the Congressional Record (the official proceedings of Congress).
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimates Search
Since 1975, CBO has produced independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the Congressional budget process. Each year, the agency’s economists and budget analysts produce dozens of reports and hundreds of cost estimates for proposed legislation.
Congressional Research Service Reports (FAS)
This is a collection of congressional reports made available by the Federation of American Scientists. Most are foreign affairs-related, but you can find some useful ones under "Miscellaneous Topics."
Congressional Research Service Reports (Official)
From their website: "The Congressional Research Service (CRS) serves as shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. CRS experts assist at every stage of the legislative process — from the early considerations that precede bill drafting, through committee hearings and floor debate, to the oversight of enacted laws and various agency activities."

This is the official portal for CRS reports, which are useful summaries of complex topics. Many, but not all, reports are available through this site.
Government Accountability Office Reports and Testimonies
From their website: "The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the 'congressional watchdog,' GAO examines how taxpayer dollars are spent and provides Congress and federal agencies with objective, reliable information to help the government save money and work more efficiently." GAO produces reports on a wide range of topics, including science, education, and more.
U.S. Code (1925-1988)
The United States Code-- is a compilation of federal statutory law arranged by subject by the House Office of Law Revision Council. Each title in the United States Code corresponds to a subject. For example, title 18 concerns crimes and criminal procedure. 18 U.S.C. § 1 is an example a citation in the Code. 18 indicates the title, U.S.C. is an abbreviation for the United States Code, and 1 is the section number of a particular statute within title 18.
U.S. Code (1994-present)
The United States Code-- is a compilation of federal statutory law arranged by subject by the House Office of Law Revision Council. Each title in the United States Code corresponds to a subject. For example, title 18 concerns crimes and criminal procedure. 18 U.S.C. § 1 is an example a citation in the Code. 18 indicates the title, U.S.C. is an abbreviation for the United States Code, and 1 is the section number of a particular statute within title 18.
U.S. Statutes at Large (1951-present)
The United States Statutes at Large, typically referred to as the Statutes at Large, is the permanent collection of all laws and resolutions enacted during each session of Congress. The Statutes at Large is prepared and published by the Office of the Federal Register (OFR), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) .