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Legislative history consists of the background and documents produced that lead to the enactment of a statute. The legislative process is recorded at many points from the moment a bill is introduced in Congress. Generally, the kinds of documents that comprise a legislative history are: reports, the transcripts of congressional debates and hearings, and different versions of bills.
Compiled legislative histories for many, but not all laws can be found in the sources available below. If a compiled history is available that should greatly aid your research. If one is not available, be ready to explore the sources and trace the legislation in its path through the legislative process.
Search the sources below for compiled legislative histories.
Most of the Federal sources work best when searched by the Public Law Number.
