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.
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 The U.S. Code collates the original law with subsequent amendments, and it deletes language that has later been repealed or superseded.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 (uscode.house.gov)
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 (Congress.gov)
Committee Reports (Congress.gov)
Selected Committee Hearings (GPO-govInfo)
Congressional Record (Congress.gov)
The Serial Set
The United States Congressional Serial Set (loc.gov) 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 (loc.gov) .
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 (GPO-govInfo)
Executive Orders (archives.gov)
Presidential Decision Directives (loc.gov)
Code of Federal Regulations (regulations in force) (GPO-govInfo)
Federal Register (proposed and final regulations) (archives.gov)
Comment on Federal Regulations (regulations.gov)
Historical Publications
Many historical government documents are available the web. Here are some popular publications and some useful websites.
Declaration of Independence (archives.gov)
Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875 (loc.gov)
Historical Documents (loc.gov)
Our Documents (National Archives)
Selected Documents
9-11 Attacks: Joint Inquiry, Senate and House Intelligence Committees (GPO-govInfo)
Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance Trust Funds (Ssa.gov)
Social Security "Notch" Report (Ssa.gov)
Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (Cms.hhs.gov)
Related Items
Interested in related materials? Take a look at these Virtual Reference Desk subjects for more information.
