Library Guides: Federal Legislative History: Types of Legislative Documents

Types of Legislative Documents

There are several types of legislative documents to consult when reviewing legislative history. The documents include the following, which are listed in order of importance for purposes of determining legislative intent.

Committee Reports.
These summarize and explain the action that a committee took on a bill. Unfortunately, reports are not issued for every bill.
Floor Debate.
Remarks made on the floor of the Senate or House.
Bills and Amendments.
This includes all versions of a bill as it made its way through the legislative process, and any amendments offered on the floor.
Hearings.
Transcripts and prepared remarks from hearings held by committees and subcommittees.
Other documents.
While not strictly part of legislative history, these may include committee markups, committee prints and Presidential signing statements.