Publication, Documentation and Codification of Federal Legislation

Abstract

After Congress passes legislation it becomes law with the approval and signing by the President or, if he vetoes it, by an overriding vote by both houses of Congress. When it becomes law it must be officially recorded with proof of its having been passed. It must be made known to the people, especially those who would be affected by it, and it is highly desirable to have a ready reference to related documents which will provide guides to the meaning and intent of the new law. When a law is repealed, modified or supplemented through legislation, as certainly happens over a period of time, this also must be made known and recorded so it can be clearly understood what laws are currently in force. The principal official procedures and publications used to achieve all of these purposes are described in this chapter.^1,2