Legislative Process

Congress passes over 500 laws during each two year session. What is the process? How does a bill become a law? This guide will help you follow a bill through Congress and identify Congressional procedures, terms and organization.

Questions this guide will help answer

• How can I track a bill through the federal legislative process?
• What do various terms used in Congress mean?
• How do I determine the role and responsibilities of a Congressional committee?
• How do I find what was said and written about a proposed bill throughout the process?
• When did a bill become a law?
• What is the legislative history of long term issues? (eg. environmental issues, trade policy, telecommunications)

Background Information

Congress A to Z (CQ)

Dictionary of terms and concepts relating to Congress. Perkins Reference

Congress and the nation: a review of government and politics in the postwar years

Provides a birds-eye view of the work of Congress.  Especially useful for seeking out broad trends, such as environmental issues, health care, welfare, etc.
1945-present.  Perkins Reference and online through the CQ Electronic Library database

Congressional Quarterly Almanac, and Congressional Quarterly Almanac plus

Comprehensive yearly summary of the activity of, and issues addressed by Congress.  Provides voting information by bill for every member. Includes major political events of that year and text of important statements. 
1948 - present. Perkins Reference

We the People: an introduction to American Politics

Good refresher on how the US government works. See the chapter on Congress for a discussion beyond the rules and process, of outside influences, etc. Perkins Reference

Commentary, News and Analysis

Congressional Digest

Each issue addresses a different topic.  Provides pros and cons, analysis and a short bibliography.  Excellent source for an overview on a topic.
1921 - present. Latest in Current Periodicals; earlier Perkins stacks. Online in Academic Search Premier

CQ Researcher

Comprehensive analysis and discussion of current issues facing Congress and the United States.
1991 - 2003 Perkins stacks.  Online 1991 - present in CQ Electronic Library. 

CQ Weekly

Current analysis and updates on the work Congress and national political issues. Includes votes and status of legislation.
1957 - present Perkins Current Periodicals and stacks. Online 1983 - present in CQ Electronic Library. 

LexisNexis Academic

Full text coverage of major general periodicals and newspapers.  Includes polls under the "Reference" menu selection.

National Journal

1975 - present.  Latest in Current Periodicals; earlier in Perkins Stacks JK1 .N28.  Also available through NationalJournal.com database. (Use Advanced Search to access all the way back to 1977.) Provides a broad but thorough view of issues facing the nation.  Looks at all branches of the federal government as well as some state coverage.  Covers elections nationwide.  Less statistical than CQ Weekly Report but provides more analysis and commentary.

PAIS and Worldwide Political Science Abstracts

Excellent resource for political and public policy research. Indexes scholarly materials.