Research Guides: CNIT 499: Seminar in Global Policy Issues: U.S. Congress

U.S. Congress

The U.S. Congress and its committees are responsible for approving new legislation, revising existing legislation, funding government programs, and conducting oversight of these programs performance. These websites, including some from congressional support agencies, are excellent resources for understanding U.S. public policy issues.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Library of Congress entity providing Congress with objective reports on public policy issues.
Congressional Record
Contains text of congressional debate, bills, and recorded votes on legislation. Issues cost estimates for legislation reported by congressional committees.
Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports
The Library of Congress' Congressional Research Service (CRS) presents unbiased reports on various public policy issues for members of Congress, their staff, and the American public.
Government Accountability Office
Congressional support agency documenting U.S. government agency program performance.
GovInfo
U.S. Government Publishing Office service providing one-stop access to federal legal, legislative, and regulatory information resources from 1994/1995-present.
House of Representatives Committees
Features access to congressional committee hearings and debates. These committees are responsible for funding and overseeing government program management performance.
Senate Committees
Features access to congressional committee hearings. Senate Committees are also responsible for confirming presidential appointments and treaties with foreign countries and international governmental organizations.