Strategies for Identifying Reporting
January 22July 8, 2021 , 2021
Requirements and Submitted Reporting to
Kathleen E. Marchsteiner
Congress
Research Librarian
Research Librarian
Congress may direct federal and independent agencies, commissions, and the President
Congress may direct federal and independent agencies, commissions, and the President
to prepare and submit required reports to Congress and its committees as a function of to prepare and submit required reports to Congress and its committees as a function of
its oversight its oversight
of the executive branch and to obtain information for the purposes of of the executive branch and to obtain information for the purposes of
enacting legislation. These reporting requirements may be located in public laws, the enacting legislation. These reporting requirements may be located in public laws, the
United States Code, and , and
committee reports.committee reports.
Reporting requirements may vary widely in aspects such as deadlines, requested content, and congressional
Reporting requirements may vary widely in aspects such as deadlines, requested content, and congressional
entities to which the reports are to be submitted. The forms in which reports are delivered, including the entities to which the reports are to be submitted. The forms in which reports are delivered, including the
submission of written materials or in-person delivery through briefings or testimonies, also vary. submission of written materials or in-person delivery through briefings or testimonies, also vary.
Reporting serves multiple purposes such as Additionally, the purpose reporting serves varies and may include facilitating oversight, ensuring compliance, and generally informing congressional facilitating oversight, ensuring compliance, and generally informing congressional
study and decisionmaking.study and decisionmaking.
For Congress,
For Congress,
a first step in considering new or leveraging current reporting requirements considering new or leveraging current reporting requirements
involvesmay involve identifying what reporting identifying what reporting
requirements exist, determining when submissions were due, and then locating the reporting that was submitted to requirements exist, determining when submissions were due, and then locating the reporting that was submitted to
Congress or reasonably establishing that reporting was not submitted. However, identifying what reporting Congress or reasonably establishing that reporting was not submitted. However, identifying what reporting
requirements are due to Congress and which reporting has already been submitted is often difficult. Difficulties requirements are due to Congress and which reporting has already been submitted is often difficult. Difficulties
result from the need to translate variations in the language Congress used in drafting, report types, and underlying result from the need to translate variations in the language Congress used in drafting, report types, and underlying
purposes of reporting requirements into search strategies.purposes of reporting requirements into search strategies.
As such, carefully constructing and systematically using search strategies to mitigate these difficulties may be
As such, carefully constructing and systematically using search strategies to mitigate these difficulties may be
helpful. These strategies may include the following: helpful. These strategies may include the following:
identifying authoritative sources with effective search engines in which to search the
identifying authoritative sources with effective search engines in which to search the
United
States Code, ,
public laws, or committee reports; public laws, or committee reports;
selecting relevant search terms by considering report submitters, recipients, forms, and timing;
selecting relevant search terms by considering report submitters, recipients, forms, and timing;
utilizing search engine rules in order to maximize positive search results and minimize negative utilizing search engine rules in order to maximize positive search results and minimize negative
results; and results; and
experimenting with different search strategies. experimenting with different search strategies.
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Overview of Reporting Requirements to Congress: StatutesStatutory and Report Language ....................... 1
Searching for Reporting Requirements to Congress ....................................................................... 3
Selecting Search Terms ............................................................................................................. 3
Search Engine “Rules” .............................................................................................................. 4
Sources and Search Strategies ................................................................................................... 5
Strategies for Locating Submitted Reports .................................................................................... 10
How Reports Are Submitted to Congress ............................................................................... 10
Sources for Submitted Reports ................................................................................................ 10
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ 11 10
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 12 12
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress
Introduction
Congress may direct federal and independent agencies, commissions, and the President to prepare Congress may direct federal and independent agencies, commissions, and the President to prepare
and submit required reports to Congress and its committees as a function of its oversight of the and submit required reports to Congress and its committees as a function of its oversight of the
executive branch and to obtain information for the purposes of enacting legislation. These executive branch and to obtain information for the purposes of enacting legislation. These
reporting requirements may be located in public laws, the reporting requirements may be located in public laws, the
United States Code, and committee , and committee
reports. reports.
When found in statutes, reporting requirements are
When found in statutes, reporting requirements are
legally binding legal y binding directives by Congress to directives by Congress to
federal entities. By contrast, when found in committee reports, reporting requirements do not federal entities. By contrast, when found in committee reports, reporting requirements do not
carry the force of the law. Nonetheless, because committee reports are authoritative records and carry the force of the law. Nonetheless, because committee reports are authoritative records and
serve to establish congressional intent and need, federal entities may serve to establish congressional intent and need, federal entities may
still stil choose to satisfy the choose to satisfy the
reporting requirements due to the significance Congress has imparted upon them and to preserve reporting requirements due to the significance Congress has imparted upon them and to preserve
their relationships with committees of jurisdiction. their relationships with committees of jurisdiction.
Reporting requirements have a number of
Reporting requirements have a number of
potentiallypotential y valuable uses for Congress. These valuable uses for Congress. These
requirements and the subsequently submitted reporting may serve to facilitate oversight, ensure requirements and the subsequently submitted reporting may serve to facilitate oversight, ensure
compliance, and inform congressional decisionmaking.1 compliance, and inform congressional decisionmaking.1
More specifically, informationInformation contained contained
in required reporting could be used for developing questions in advance of a hearing, in required reporting could be used for developing questions in advance of a hearing,
and submitted submitted
reports themselves may confirm executive branch compliance with a previous requirementreports themselves may confirm executive branch compliance with a previous requirement
, or a . Moreover, a
new reporting requirement may be considered on the basis of a perceived need for information new reporting requirement may be considered on the basis of a perceived need for information
not addressed by currently existing reporting requirements of executive branch activities. not addressed by currently existing reporting requirements of executive branch activities.
However, identifying what reporting requirements are due to Congress and which reporting has
However, identifying what reporting requirements are due to Congress and which reporting has
already been submitted is often difficult. Difficulties result from factors such as differences in the already been submitted is often difficult. Difficulties result from factors such as differences in the
language Congress uses in drafting the reporting requirements, variations in the types of language Congress uses in drafting the reporting requirements, variations in the types of
reporting, and differences in the underlying purposes of reporting requirements. Because of these reporting, and differences in the underlying purposes of reporting requirements. Because of these
difficulties, it is often not possible to comprehensively identify either difficulties, it is often not possible to comprehensively identify either
all al submitted reporting or submitted reporting or
reporting requirements due from any given federal entity or on any given topic. reporting requirements due from any given federal entity or on any given topic.
To facilitate overcoming such difficulties, this report describes a variety of search methods across
To facilitate overcoming such difficulties, this report describes a variety of search methods across
several databases that may be used to locate existing reporting requirements to Congress and several databases that may be used to locate existing reporting requirements to Congress and
required reports that have previously been submitted to Congress. It identifies how reporting required reports that have previously been submitted to Congress. It identifies how reporting
requirements vary, explores how these variations make comprehensive searching on the topic requirements vary, explores how these variations make comprehensive searching on the topic
difficult, and provides strategies for attempting to overcome these difficulties. The report also difficult, and provides strategies for attempting to overcome these difficulties. The report also
provides an overview of sources for reports submitted to Congress that may be of assistance to provides an overview of sources for reports submitted to Congress that may be of assistance to
staff researching this topic. staff researching this topic.
Overview of Reporting Requirements to Congress:
StatutesStatutory and Report Language
A statutory reporting requirement to Congress appears in law and directs an executive branch A statutory reporting requirement to Congress appears in law and directs an executive branch
entity to transmit specific information to Congress. The statutory language of reporting entity to transmit specific information to Congress. The statutory language of reporting
requirements may be structured in various ways. Individual reporting requirements may differ in requirements may be structured in various ways. Individual reporting requirements may differ in
the naming of submitters and recipients, forms of submissions, types of actions that need to be the naming of submitters and recipients, forms of submissions, types of actions that need to be
1 For more general information on congressionally mandated reports, see CRS1 For more general information on congressionally mandated reports, see CRS
Report R46357, Report R46357,
Congressionally
Mandated Reports: Overview and Considerations for Congress, by William T, by William T
. Egar; CRS. Egar; CRS
Report R42490, Report R42490,
ReexaminationReexam ination of Agency Reporting RequirementsRequirem ents: Annual Process Under the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010
(GPRAMA), by Clinton T, by Clinton T
. Brass; and CRS. Brass; and CRS
Report RL30240, Report RL30240,
Congressional Oversight Manual, ,
coordinatedcoordinat ed by by
Christopher M. Davis, Walter J. Oleszek, and Ben WilhelmChristopher M. Davis, Walter J. Oleszek, and Ben Wilhelm
. .
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taken to transmit the information, and in the listing of timing mechanisms that trigger the report
taken to transmit the information, and in the listing of timing mechanisms that trigger the report
submissions. Such language may include the following categories of information: submissions. Such language may include the following categories of information:
Report submitters. Congress often mandates the submission of reports to itself Congress often mandates the submission of reports to itself
from the President, executive agencies, independent agencies, commissions, and
from the President, executive agencies, independent agencies, commissions, and
other federal departments and entities. In some cases, reporting requirements may other federal departments and entities. In some cases, reporting requirements may
not make explicit reference to an agency or government entity as the transmitter not make explicit reference to an agency or government entity as the transmitter
of a report, but rather may require a senior official or other delegate within an of a report, but rather may require a senior official or other delegate within an
agency to be the one to submit the report to Congress. agency to be the one to submit the report to Congress.
Report recipients. Recipients may be Congress in general, congressional Recipients may be Congress in general, congressional
committees, committee chairs and ranking members, or congressional leaders
committees, committee chairs and ranking members, or congressional leaders
such as the Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.2 such as the Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.2
Some statutory reporting requirements may not identify Congress as the specific Some statutory reporting requirements may not identify Congress as the specific
recipient, because Congress may intend for other audiences to use the recipient, because Congress may intend for other audiences to use the
information as information as
wellwel .3 .3
Report forms. Forms of submissions may include physical documents, such as Forms of submissions may include physical documents, such as
reports, studies, assessments, notifications, or audits. However, in-person
reports, studies, assessments, notifications, or audits. However, in-person
meetings, testimonies, or briefings may also be considered forms of reports to meetings, testimonies, or briefings may also be considered forms of reports to
Congress and may serve as a means of satisfying certain reporting requirements. Congress and may serve as a means of satisfying certain reporting requirements.
In addition, a reporting requirement comprising a single sentence may necessitate In addition, a reporting requirement comprising a single sentence may necessitate
multiple actions by an agency and so the number of reporting requirements for multiple actions by an agency and so the number of reporting requirements for
any given agency may not necessarily equal the number of actions taken or any given agency may not necessarily equal the number of actions taken or
documents delivered to satisfy these requirements. As a consequence, counting documents delivered to satisfy these requirements. As a consequence, counting
reporting requirements may be difficult and reporting requirements may be difficult and
counting results may depend on the results may depend on the
methodology used to execute the count. methodology used to execute the count.
Report timing. Timing of submissions may also vary depending on the statutory Timing of submissions may also vary depending on the statutory
language: reports and other information might be required to be submitted once
language: reports and other information might be required to be submitted once
(e.g., by a specified date), on a recurring basis (e.g., (e.g., by a specified date), on a recurring basis (e.g.,
annuallyannual y), or as specified ), or as specified
circumstances arise (e.g., each time the agency head takes a particular action).4circumstances arise (e.g., each time the agency head takes a particular action).4
Finally,
That reporting requirements reporting requirements
are given the force of law when they appear in federal statutes and public laws. Althoughappear in statutes and public laws imparts the reporting requirements in these documents the force of law. However, in many cases, reporting requirements , in many cases, reporting requirements
may alsoalso may be found in congressional be found in congressional
committee reports,5 these reporting requirements do notdocuments that are not law. For instance, reporting requirements found in congressional committee reports do not by themselves carry the force of the law carry the force of the law
but,5 though they are are
authoritative records and authoritative records and
may serve to establish congressional intent and need.6 serve to establish congressional intent and need.6
Oftentimes, there may be informal understandings between congressional committees and agencies on which report
2 ThisAdditional y,
2 T his report focuses on reporting requirements to be made report focuses on reporting requirements to be made
to Congress, but some reporting requirements may also to Congress, but some reporting requirements may also
specify the President or other executive agencies as recipients for agency reporting. specify the President or other executive agencies as recipients for agency reporting.
3 For discussion,
3 For discussion,
see CRSsee CRS
Report R42490, Report R42490,
Reexamination of Agency Reporting Requirements: Annual Process Under
the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA), by Clinton T, by Clinton T
. Brass. . Brass.
4 In the latter cases, depending
4 In the latter cases, depending
on how often varied “specified circumstances” arise, some reports may be requiredon how often varied “specified circumstances” arise, some reports may be required
to be to be
submitted zero, one, or multiple times. An example of a reporting requirement provision that illustrates a specified submitted zero, one, or multiple times. An example of a reporting requirement provision that illustrates a specified
circumstance is the followingcircumstance is the following
excerpt from 42 U.S.C. §247d-6d(b)(9): “excerpt from 42 U.S.C. §247d-6d(b)(9): “
Within 30 days after making a declaration Within 30 days after making a declaration
under paragraph (1), the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] shall submitunder paragraph (1), the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] shall submit
to the appropriate committees of the to the appropriate committees of the
CongressCongress
a report that provides an explanation of the reasons for issuing the declaration and the reasons underlying the a report that provides an explanation of the reasons for issuing the declaration and the reasons underlying the
determinations of the Secretary with respect to paragraph (2).” determinations of the Secretary with respect to paragraph (2).”
5 For more information on committee reports, see CRS5 For more information on committee reports, see CRS
Report 98-305, Report 98-305,
Senate Committee Reports: Required Contents, ,
by Elizabeth Rybicki;by Elizabeth Rybicki;
and CRSand CRS
Report 98-169, Report 98-169,
House CommitteeCom m ittee Reports: Required Contents, by Judy, by Judy
Schneider.Schneider.
6 Note that if a statute incorporates committee report language by reference and that incorporated language includes
6 Note that if a statute incorporates committee report language by reference and that incorporated language includes
a a
reporting requirement, then the reporting requirement, then the
reportingreport ing requirement becomes legally requirement becomes legally
binding. binding.
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress
language is relevant. Thus, agencies may still reporting requirements may appear in formal y introduced legislation that simply does not become law. In both these instances, agencies may stil choose to submit reports to Congresschoose to submit reports to Congress
that satisfy these provisions due to the significance Congress has imparted upon them due to the significance Congress has imparted upon them
andor to preserve their to preserve their
relationships with committees of jurisdiction.relationships with committees of jurisdiction.
7 Because not all legislation reported out of committee is then passed into law, not all results in accompanying committee reports are indicative of a directive by Congress.
All of these variations 7 Alternatively, there may be informal understandings between congressional committees and agencies on which report language is relevant that wil affect how
an agency chooses to respond to a reporting requirement.
Al of these variations in language and legal force imparted to reporting requirements serve to complicate the serve to complicate the
processprocesses of devising a strategy to search for existing of devising a strategy to search for existing
requirements and requirements and
determine
determining compliance by identifying compliance by identifying
reporting already submitted already submitted
reporting to Congress. to Congress.
Searching for Reporting Requirements to Congress
Reporting requirements are, Reporting requirements are,
typicallytypical y, sections of text that are embedded in much larger , sections of text that are embedded in much larger
documents, such as provisions in public laws and committee reports. Isolating the relevant documents, such as provisions in public laws and committee reports. Isolating the relevant
sections of text (i.e., reporting requirements) from the larger documents may be difficultsections of text (i.e., reporting requirements) from the larger documents may be difficult
; thus, the
following are , thus three key considerations for searchers developing a search strategythree key considerations for searchers developing a search strategy
are the following: :
Searches that
Searches that
attempt to be comprehensive are expansiveare expansive
and may yield more may yield more
nonrelevant results than can be nonrelevant results than can be
reasonably sifted through to isolate relevant reporting requirements. reasonably sifted through to isolate relevant reporting requirements.
Searches that
Searches that
attempt to be precise are narroware narrow
and may exclude relevant may exclude relevant
reporting requirements from the reporting requirements from the
search results.search results.
Searchers may expect to experiment with changes to their search strategies
Searchers may expect to experiment with changes to their search strategies
to
balance the sometimes competing needs to be both comprehensive and precise to return the best results within the time available.
Searching techniques that can help mitigate difficulties include selecting
during a project that intends to identify reporting requirements.
Selecting relevant search terms relevant search terms
and leveraging search engine “rules” such as proximity searchingand applying a search technique called proximity searching can help mitigate difficulties. The selection of search terms is facilitated by taking an inventory of . The selection of search terms is facilitated by taking an inventory of
what is known both what is known both
generally and specificallygeneral y and specifical y about the particular reporting requirements being about the particular reporting requirements being
researched. To assist with this task, a selection of common elements that may be known about researched. To assist with this task, a selection of common elements that may be known about
existing reporting requirements is included below. existing reporting requirements is included below.
Proximity searching is discussed as a Proximity searching is discussed as a
technique for lessening the number of search results when a technique for lessening the number of search results when a
search with relevant terms returns search with relevant terms returns
results too large for the purposes of a project. results too large for the purposes of a project.
Selecting Search Terms
Search terms—also known as keywords—are words relating to the topic or subject at hand that Search terms—also known as keywords—are words relating to the topic or subject at hand that
can be typed into a search engine or database to find relevant information. Depending on a can be typed into a search engine or database to find relevant information. Depending on a
searcher’s level of familiarity with a subject area, a first step may involve contacting subject searcher’s level of familiarity with a subject area, a first step may involve contacting subject
matter specialists, who might assist in identifying relevant terms of art to include as search terms. matter specialists, who might assist in identifying relevant terms of art to include as search terms.
Individual
Individual terms, and synonyms for those terms, may be searched using word variants, including terms, and synonyms for those terms, may be searched using word variants, including
forms of the same word with prefixes, suffixes, and plurals. Terms can also be searched in various forms of the same word with prefixes, suffixes, and plurals. Terms can also be searched in various
combinations with each other. By applying these techniques and experimenting with different combinations with each other. By applying these techniques and experimenting with different
variations of a search strategy, the number of results in a search may be narrowed or expanded.8variations of a search strategy, the number of results in a search may be narrowed or expanded.8
In addition to identifying terms of art, relevant terms in a search for reporting requirements could also include instances of one or all of the following categories of terms: report submitters and recipients; forms of report submissions; and timing mechanisms that trigger the report submissions.
7 For additional information, please see CRS7 For additional information, please see CRS
Report R45442, Report R45442,
Congress’s Authority to Influence and Control Executive
Branch Agencies, by , by
ToddT odd Garvey and Daniel J. Sheffner. Garvey and Daniel J. Sheffner.
8 Congressional Research Service8 Congressional Research Service
(CRS) subject (CRS) subject matter experts are available to provide assistance to congressional matter experts are available to provide assistance to congressional
clients identifying search terms and developing search strategies. clients identifying search terms and developing search strategies.
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress
Report Submitters
to Congress
In addition to identifying terms of art, relevant terms in a search for reporting requirements could also include instances of one or al of the following categories of terms: report submitters and recipients; forms of report submissions; and timing mechanisms that trigger the report
submissions.
Report Submitters
Congress often mandates the submission of reports from the President, Office of Management Congress often mandates the submission of reports from the President, Office of Management
and Budget, executive agencies, independent agencies, commissions, and other federal and Budget, executive agencies, independent agencies, commissions, and other federal
departments and entities. As such, relevant search terms related to report submitters could include departments and entities. As such, relevant search terms related to report submitters could include
specific names of departments, their agencies or their bureaus, such as the Department of Health specific names of departments, their agencies or their bureaus, such as the Department of Health
and Human Services or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, reporting and Human Services or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, reporting
requirements may not make explicit reference to an agency or government entity itself as the requirements may not make explicit reference to an agency or government entity itself as the
transmitter of a report, but rather may require a senior official or other delegate within an agency transmitter of a report, but rather may require a senior official or other delegate within an agency
to be the one to submit the report to Congress. In these cases, relevant search terms for these to be the one to submit the report to Congress. In these cases, relevant search terms for these
senior officials might include keywords such as Secretary, Administrator, or Director.senior officials might include keywords such as Secretary, Administrator, or Director.
Report Recipients
Report recipients may be Congress in general, congressional committees, committee Report recipients may be Congress in general, congressional committees, committee
chairs and chairs and
ranking members, or congressional leaders. Relevant search terms related to ranking members, or congressional leaders. Relevant search terms related to
report recipients could include specific congressional committees, such as the House report recipients could include specific congressional committees, such as the House
Committee on the Budget (orCommittee on the Budget (or
, synonymously, the House Budget Committee) or specific synonymously, the House Budget Committee) or specific
leadership titles, like the Speaker of the House. Alternatively,leadership titles, like the Speaker of the House. Alternatively,
“Congress” itself could be a “Congress” itself could be a
potential potential search term to use in concert with search term to use in concert with
other terms if seeking a report or reports other terms if seeking a report or reports
submitted to Congress as a whole. submitted to Congress as a whole.
Report Forms
Reports may be submitted to Congress in various forms, from physical documents to in-Reports may be submitted to Congress in various forms, from physical documents to in-
person meetings. Depending on the information being sought, relevant search terms person meetings. Depending on the information being sought, relevant search terms
related to the physical forms could include reports, studies, assessments, notifications, or related to the physical forms could include reports, studies, assessments, notifications, or
audits. Alternatively, to search for reports submitted in-person or audits. Alternatively, to search for reports submitted in-person or
verballyverbal y to Congress, to Congress,
search terms such as meetings, search terms such as meetings,
testimonies, or briefings could be used. Searching for the testimonies, or briefings could be used. Searching for the
verb forms of these words—such as verb forms of these words—such as
meet, testify, or brief—may also yield relevant meet, testify, or brief—may also yield relevant
results. results.
Report Timing
The timing of the submission of reports and other information can vary. Some reports The timing of the submission of reports and other information can vary. Some reports
might be required to be submitted once (e.g., by a specified date), on a recurring basis might be required to be submitted once (e.g., by a specified date), on a recurring basis
(e.g., (e.g.,
annuallyannual y), or ), or
as specified circumstances arise (e.g., each time the agency head takes as specified circumstances arise (e.g., each time the agency head takes
a particular action). Relevant search terms related to timing could include keywords or a particular action). Relevant search terms related to timing could include keywords or
phrases such as “annual,” phrases such as “annual,”
“biannual,” “biennial,”“biannual,” “biennial,”
“not later than,” or “each time.” “not later than,” or “each time.”
Often, identifying relevant search terms alone may not sufficiently narrow the search results. For
Often, identifying relevant search terms alone may not sufficiently narrow the search results. For
instance, a frequent instance, a frequent
challengechal enge is that relevant search terms may be composed of common terms is that relevant search terms may be composed of common terms
that appear throughout both relevant and nonrelevant parts of the searched text. To overcome this that appear throughout both relevant and nonrelevant parts of the searched text. To overcome this
challenge
chal enge, combining key word searching with other search tools can help. , combining key word searching with other search tools can help.
Search Engine “Rules”
Searching websites often means searching a database using the search engine provided by the Searching websites often means searching a database using the search engine provided by the
website owner. Search engines have “rules” specifying how letters and symbols typed into the website owner. Search engines have “rules” specifying how letters and symbols typed into the
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress
search box on the website generate search results. These search engines can differ, and while one search box on the website generate search results. These search engines can differ, and while one
website may include boxes labeled to indicate what rules may be applied to a term being entered, website may include boxes labeled to indicate what rules may be applied to a term being entered,
others may be composed of a simple search box without a label of any sort. Some websites offer others may be composed of a simple search box without a label of any sort. Some websites offer
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress
both labeled boxes and simple search boxes. Most websites also provide instructions for using both labeled boxes and simple search boxes. Most websites also provide instructions for using
search engine rules that are variously labeledsearch engine rules that are variously labeled
“help,” “tips,” or “tools.”“help,” “tips,” or “tools.”
Learning to apply these rules in combination with knowledge about reporting requirements can
Learning to apply these rules in combination with knowledge about reporting requirements can
lead to more effective searching. Two of these rules that are particularly useful—quotation marks lead to more effective searching. Two of these rules that are particularly useful—quotation marks
and proximity searches—are and proximity searches—are
included as features ofavailable for use in the key sources discussed below. key sources discussed below.
In many search engines, quotation marks around a phrase instruct the website to
In many search engines, quotation marks around a phrase instruct the website to
return only results that contain the phrase as a whole and not the individual
return only results that contain the phrase as a whole and not the individual
words. For example, a search on “Department of Education” words. For example, a search on “Department of Education”
will wil return only return only
results that include the entire phrase and not each time “department” or results that include the entire phrase and not each time “department” or
“education” appears “education” appears
individuallyindividual y. .
Proximity searches are used to identify instances within a document in which two
Proximity searches are used to identify instances within a document in which two
or more search terms (either words or phrases) appear within a specified number
or more search terms (either words or phrases) appear within a specified number
of other words from each other.9 Varying the number of words specified between of other words from each other.9 Varying the number of words specified between
search terms in a proximity search search terms in a proximity search
allowsal ows a searcher an enhanced ability to a searcher an enhanced ability to
expand or narrow search results than would otherwise be expand or narrow search results than would otherwise be
allowedal owed by the Boolean by the Boolean
operator “and.”operator “and.”
Sources and Search Strategies
This section identifies important sources that contain reporting requirements, briefly discusses This section identifies important sources that contain reporting requirements, briefly discusses
search strategies, and provides sample searches that employ quotation marks and proximity search strategies, and provides sample searches that employ quotation marks and proximity
searching. searching.
Congressional reporting requirements can be found in the
Congressional reporting requirements can be found in the
United States Code ((
U.S. Code), public ), public
laws, congressional committee reports, and in “Reports to be Made to Congress,” an laws, congressional committee reports, and in “Reports to be Made to Congress,” an
annuallyannual y published House report. Search strategies within these sources may be developed with the published House report. Search strategies within these sources may be developed with the
specific goals and resource constraints (e.g., time or people) of a project in mind. For example, a specific goals and resource constraints (e.g., time or people) of a project in mind. For example, a
search strategy seeking to identify as many reporting requirements as possible on a topic search strategy seeking to identify as many reporting requirements as possible on a topic
will be wil be
different than a search strategy identifying one example of a reporting requirement on a topic. different than a search strategy identifying one example of a reporting requirement on a topic.
Regardless of the source being searched, important general considerations when developing
Regardless of the source being searched, important general considerations when developing
search strategies are as follows: search strategies are as follows:
The development of search strategies
The development of search strategies
typicallytypical y is an iterative process; search is an iterative process; search
strategies may be repeatedly adjusted based on the results of prior (i.e., actual)
strategies may be repeatedly adjusted based on the results of prior (i.e., actual)
searches. searches.
Careful
Careful
, systematic documentation of search strategies used for a project documentation of search strategies used for a project
will help ensure that
wil
help ensure these adjustments effectively meet the goals of these adjustments effectively meet the goals of
thea project. project.
An effective search strategy may lessen the work of reviewing search results but
An effective search strategy may lessen the work of reviewing search results but
seldom eliminates it.
seldom eliminates it.
More specifically, when developing a search strategy for reporting requirements
read the instructions to the search engine rules for each source searched because
most sources vary in their application of broadly similar types of these rules;
select relevant search terms, which will often include terms representing one or
more of the categories of search terms described above (submitter, recipient,
9 Some search engines also allow9 Some search engines also allow
a search specifying a number of characters between search terms. Others allow a a search specifying a number of characters between search terms. Others allow a
search specifying both the number of characters or wordssearch specifying both the number of characters or words
between search terms and the order in whichbetween search terms and the order in which
the search terms the search terms
must appear to be includedmust appear to be included
in the search results. in the search results.
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More specifical y, when developing a search strategy for reporting requirements
read the instructions to the search engine rules for each source searched, because
most sources vary in their application of broadly similar types of these rules;
select relevant search terms, which often wil include terms representing one or
more of the categories of search terms described above (submitter, recipient, form, and timing) combined with terms of art related to the topic of the reporting form, and timing) combined with terms of art related to the topic of the reporting
requirement; and requirement; and
leverage search rules—such as quotation marks or a proximity search—to limit
leverage search rules—such as quotation marks or a proximity search—to limit
the number of search results by more precisely targeting the information that is
the number of search results by more precisely targeting the information that is
required. required.
United States Code
Because reporting requirements in the Because reporting requirements in the
U.S. Code are are
legallylegal y binding, it is perhaps the most binding, it is perhaps the most
important source when searching for reporting requirements to Congress. The important source when searching for reporting requirements to Congress. The
U.S. Code is a is a
consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United
States.10 Some, but not States.10 Some, but not
allal , reporting requirements enacted into law have been codified into the , reporting requirements enacted into law have been codified into the
U.S. Code.11 Some statutory reporting requirements are located in freestanding public laws .11 Some statutory reporting requirements are located in freestanding public laws
published in the published in the
Statutes at Large.12 Note that only general and permanent law is codified, so one-.12 Note that only general and permanent law is codified, so one-
time reporting requirements—such as those in the text of an annual appropriations act—may not time reporting requirements—such as those in the text of an annual appropriations act—may not
appear in this resource.13 appear in this resource.13
Website and instructions Website and instructions
Website: https://uscode.house.gov.
Website: https://uscode.house.gov.
Instructions for searching: https://uscode.house.gov/static/help.html. Instructions for searching: https://uscode.house.gov/static/help.html.
Sample question and search example
Sample question and search example
Question: What reports are listed in the
Question: What reports are listed in the
U.S. Code as due to Congress from the as due to Congress from the
Small Smal Business Administration (SBA)? Business Administration (SBA)?
Search example: “
Search example: “
small smal business administration” near/8 report. business administration” near/8 report.
Search results: Search results:
12.14 14.14
Search notes and results
Search notes and results
Quotation marks around “
Quotation marks around “
small smal business administration” instruct the database to business administration” instruct the database to
return only results in which
return only results in which
all al three words appear immediately next to one three words appear immediately next to one
another. another.
The proximity operator “near/8” further instructs the database to search the
The proximity operator “near/8” further instructs the database to search the
results returned by the “
results returned by the “
small smal business administration” portion of the search for
business administration” portion of the search for instances in which the phrase “small business administration” appears within eight words—either before or after—of the word report.
Because the word report is not in quotes, the search engine searches for minor
variations of “report,” such as “reports.”
There may be more than one relevant reporting requirement within each of these
12 results; for example, one result may identify a section of the U.S. Code that
10 For more information on the 10 For more information on the
United States Code, please see https://uscode.house.gov/about_code.xhtml. , please see https://uscode.house.gov/about_code.xhtml.
11 For discussion,11 For discussion,
see U.S.see U.S.
House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel,House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel,
“About Classification of “About Classification of
LawsLaws
to the United States Code,”to the United States Code,”
at https://uscode.house.gov/about_classification.xhtml. at https://uscode.house.gov/about_classification.xhtml.
12 Some of these freestanding statutes have been compiled unofficially by the House12 Some of these freestanding statutes have been compiled unofficially by the House
Office of Legislative Counsel.Office of Legislative Counsel.
See See
U.S.U.S.
House of Representatives, Office of the Legislative Counsel, “Statute Compilations,” at http://legcoun.house.gov/House of Representatives, Office of the Legislative Counsel, “Statute Compilations,” at http://legcoun.house.gov/
members/HOLC/Resources/comps_alpha.html. members/HOLC/Resources/comps_alpha.html.
13 For more information on federal statutes, please see CRS
13 For more information on federal statutes, please see CRS
Report R45190, Report R45190,
From Slip Law to United States Code: A
Guide to Federal Statutes for Congressional Staff, by Eva M. , by Eva M.
Tarnay.
T arnay. 14 As of 14 As of
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instances in which the phrase “smal business administration” appears within eight words—either before or after—of the word report.
Because the word report is not in quotes, the search engine searches for minor
variations of “report,” such as “reports.”
There may be more than one relevant reporting requirement within each of these
14 results; for example, one result may identify a section of the U.S. Code that has multiple distinct relevant entries within. The text of each result should be has multiple distinct relevant entries within. The text of each result should be
examined. examined.
These
These
1214 results may not be comprehensive of results may not be comprehensive of
all al reporting due to Congress from reporting due to Congress from
the SBA. Additional
the SBA. Additional
searches using other terms could provide evidence for more searches using other terms could provide evidence for more
reporting. For example, the search element representing the form of a report reporting. For example, the search element representing the form of a report
could be changed to an audit, briefing, or study. could be changed to an audit, briefing, or study.
Public Laws
Public laws may be searched for reporting requirements in order to identify requirements in laws Public laws may be searched for reporting requirements in order to identify requirements in laws
that have not been codified, such as in recently passed legislation or appropriations acts.15that have not been codified, such as in recently passed legislation or appropriations acts.15
Website and instructions Website and instructions
Website: https://www.congress.gov/.
Website: https://www.congress.gov/.
Instructions for searching: https://www.congress.gov/help/search-tools-overview. Instructions for searching: https://www.congress.gov/help/search-tools-overview.
Sample question and search example
Sample question and search example
Question: What reports are listed in public law as due to Congress from the U.S.
Question: What reports are listed in public law as due to Congress from the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife
Fish & Wildlife
Service? Service?
Search example: “fish wildlife report”~8.16
Search example: “fish wildlife report”~8.16
Search results: Search results:
2146.17 .17
Search notes and results
Search notes and results
To conduct the search above, first, select the Advanced Search tab on
To conduct the search above, first, select the Advanced Search tab on
Congress.gov, under Congress options select “
Congress.gov, under Congress options select “
All Al since since
19731951,” and under the ,” and under the
Words and Phrases options enter the search example exactly as shown above into Words and Phrases options enter the search example exactly as shown above into
the search box.the search box.
The proximity operator on Congress.gov is a tilde symbol, or “~”. Using it
The proximity operator on Congress.gov is a tilde symbol, or “~”. Using it
instructs the database to search the results for instances in which the searched
instructs the database to search the results for instances in which the searched
words within the quotation marks appear near each other in the text. words within the quotation marks appear near each other in the text.
The default search on Congress.gov only searches
The default search on Congress.gov only searches
bill bil titles and summaries. To titles and summaries. To
find reporting requirements, change the default and search the full
find reporting requirements, change the default and search the full
bill bil texts. To texts. To
do this, after selecting the Advanced Search tab, find the Words and Phrases do this, after selecting the Advanced Search tab, find the Words and Phrases
options, select “Only these fields,” deselect “Titles” and “Summaries,” and select options, select “Only these fields,” deselect “Titles” and “Summaries,” and select
““
Bill Text.”
To search only bills that have become law, under Actions/Status find the Quick
List options, and select “Laws” (the last option in the list).
Select search in the far right column to query the Congress.gov database. Review the results to identify which of the results are relevant and consider
whether there may be more than one relevant reporting requirement within the laws returned by this search.
Bil Text.”
15 For information on currency and updating of the U.S. Code15 For information on currency and updating of the U.S. Code
at uscode.house.gov, , see https://uscode.house.gov/see https://uscode.house.gov/
currency/currency.shtml;jsessionid=BCD3BD81F147E96D3BC6462E715A252E. currency/currency.shtml;jsessionid=BCD3BD81F147E96D3BC6462E715A252E.
16 When creating a proximity search on Congress.gov, it may be helpful to eliminate articles (e.g., “the”), prepositions
16 When creating a proximity search on Congress.gov, it may be helpful to eliminate articles (e.g., “the”), prepositions
(e.g., “of”) and conjunctions (e.g., “and”) in order to streamline the search. (e.g., “of”) and conjunctions (e.g., “and”) in order to streamline the search.
17 As of 17 As of
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These 21 results may not be comprehensive of all reporting due to Congress from
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to Congress
To search only bil s that have become law, under Actions/Status find the Quick
List options, and select “Laws” (the last option in the list).
Select search in the far right column to query the Congress.gov database. Review the results to identify which of the results are relevant and consider
whether there may be more than one relevant reporting requirement within the laws returned by this search.
These 46 results may not be comprehensive of al reporting due to Congress from
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Additional searches using other terms could Service. Additional searches using other terms could
provide evidence for more reporting. For example, the search element provide evidence for more reporting. For example, the search element
representing the form of a report could be changed to an audit, briefing, or study. representing the form of a report could be changed to an audit, briefing, or study.
Committee Reports
Reporting requirements may also be located in committee reports. Although these reports may not Reporting requirements may also be located in committee reports. Although these reports may not
have equivalent significance as those requirements included in public laws, they are nonetheless have equivalent significance as those requirements included in public laws, they are nonetheless
authoritative records and serve to establish congressional intent and need.18authoritative records and serve to establish congressional intent and need.18
Website and instructions
Website and instructions
Website: https://www.congress.gov/.19
Website: https://www.congress.gov/.19
Instructions for searching: https://www.congress.gov/help/search-tools-overview. Instructions for searching: https://www.congress.gov/help/search-tools-overview.
Sample question and search example
Sample question and search example
Question: What notifications due to Congress from the Department of the Interior
Question: What notifications due to Congress from the Department of the Interior
are listed in congressional committee reports?
are listed in congressional committee reports?
Search:—“interior notify”~8.20
Search:—“interior notify”~8.20
Search results: Search results:
108111.21 .21
Search notes and results
Search notes and results
To conduct the search above, click the Committee Reports tab on Congress.gov
To conduct the search above, click the Committee Reports tab on Congress.gov
and type the search string in the Words & Phrases search box. Select “
and type the search string in the Words & Phrases search box. Select “
All Al Congresses (Congresses (
19731995-present).” -present).”
The proximity operator on Congress.gov is a tilde symbol, or “~”. Using it
The proximity operator on Congress.gov is a tilde symbol, or “~”. Using it
instructs the database to search the results for instances in which the searched
instructs the database to search the results for instances in which the searched
words within the quotation marks appear near each other in the text. words within the quotation marks appear near each other in the text.
To narrow the search to exclude executive reports—a kind of committee report
To narrow the search to exclude executive reports—a kind of committee report
issued by Senate committees reporting on treaties and nominations—select
issued by Senate committees reporting on treaties and nominations—select
“House” and “Senate” only under Report Types in the search box. “House” and “Senate” only under Report Types in the search box.
To narrow the results to reports from a certain committee (or a certain set of
To narrow the results to reports from a certain committee (or a certain set of
committees), select “committees” from the drop down menu on the right side of
committees), select “committees” from the drop down menu on the right side of
the search box.the search box.
There may be more than one relevant reporting requirement within each of these
108 results. The text of each result should be examined for relevance.
These 108 results may not be comprehensive of all mandated notifications due to
Congress from the Department of the Interior. Additional searches using other terms could provide evidence for more reporting. For example, the search element representing the form of a report could be changed to an audit, briefing, or study.
18 For additional information, please see CRS18 For additional information, please see CRS
Report R45442, Report R45442,
Congress’s Authority to Influence and Control Executive
Branch Agencies, by , by
ToddT odd Garvey and Daniel J. Sheffner. Garvey and Daniel J. Sheffner.
19 For more information on congressional committees, please see https://www.congress.gov/committees.
19 For more information on congressional committees, please see https://www.congress.gov/committees.
20 When creating a proximity search on Congress.gov, it may be helpful to eliminate any articles such as “the,” “of,” 20 When creating a proximity search on Congress.gov, it may be helpful to eliminate any articles such as “the,” “of,”
and “and” in order to streamline the search. and “and” in order to streamline the search.
21 As of 21 As of
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If the goal is to search specifically to Congress
There may be more than one relevant reporting requirement within each of these
111 results. The text of each result should be examined for relevance.
These 111 results may not be comprehensive of al mandated notifications due to
Congress from the Department of the Interior. Additional searches using other
terms could provide evidence for more reporting. For example, the search element representing the form of a report could be changed to an audit, briefing, or study.
If the goal is to search specifical y for committee activity reports, which provide for committee activity reports, which provide
an overview of a committee’s work the previous Congress, a Congress.gov
an overview of a committee’s work the previous Congress, a Congress.gov
search like the following may help:search like the following may help:
“activity report”~8. The search can be “activity report”~8. The search can be
narrowed by selecting the committee of choice as described previously. narrowed by selecting the committee of choice as described previously.
Committee activity report content varies, so some may include information on Committee activity report content varies, so some may include information on
reporting requirements and others may not. reporting requirements and others may not.
“Reports to beBe Made to Congress” Publication
Pursuant to Clause 2(b), Rule II of the Rules of the House of Representatives,22 the Office of the Pursuant to Clause 2(b), Rule II of the Rules of the House of Representatives,22 the Office of the
Clerk of the House Clerk of the House
annuallyannual y publishes the “Reports to Be Made to Congress” report.23 Prepared publishes the “Reports to Be Made to Congress” report.23 Prepared
by the Legislativeby the Legislative
Resource Center within the House Clerk’s office, this publication contains a Resource Center within the House Clerk’s office, this publication contains a
list of reports from federal entities or “reports which it is the duty of any officer or Department to list of reports from federal entities or “reports which it is the duty of any officer or Department to
make to Congress.” make to Congress.”
The “Reports to
The “Reports to
beBe Made to Congress” publication is intended to provide reporting requirements Made to Congress” publication is intended to provide reporting requirements
to be made to Congress in general by federal entities. It does not include reports that agencies to be made to Congress in general by federal entities. It does not include reports that agencies
may be required to submit may be required to submit
specificallyspecifical y to congressional committees or individuals. As in to congressional committees or individuals. As in
evaluating any reporting requirement, checking the expiration dates of the reporting requirements evaluating any reporting requirement, checking the expiration dates of the reporting requirements
is helpful. is helpful.
The publication lists the reports due to Congress in the following order:
The publication lists the reports due to Congress in the following order:
Reports by the Legislative Branch;
Reports by the Legislative Branch;
Reports by the Judicial Branch; Reports by the Judicial Branch;
Reports by the President of the United States; Reports by the President of the United States;
Reports by Cabinet Level Departments; Reports by Cabinet Level Departments;
Reports by Multiple Executive Agencies and Departments; Reports by Multiple Executive Agencies and Departments;
Reports by Independent Agencies, Boards, and Commissions; and Reports by Independent Agencies, Boards, and Commissions; and
Reports by Reports by
FederallyFederal y Chartered Private Corporations. Chartered Private Corporations.
For each reporting requirement identified, the publication lists the nature of the report, federal
For each reporting requirement identified, the publication lists the nature of the report, federal
authority, and date or frequency by which the report submissions are due.24 If interested in reports authority, and date or frequency by which the report submissions are due.24 If interested in reports
due to Congress from a specific entity, use the Table of Contents to identify the page where that due to Congress from a specific entity, use the Table of Contents to identify the page where that
information can be found. Alternatively, the publication can be searched for relevant keywords, such as the report submitter or subject matter.
The publication also provides a list of reporting requirements with “sunset provisions.” In this section, the included reporting requirements have dates by which the individual requirements expire or will be terminated.
22 U.S.
22 U.S. Congress. Congress.
House Rules of the 116th Congress, prepared by , prepared by
TheT he Clerk, U.S. Clerk, U.S.
House House of Representatives, of Representatives,
116th116 th Cong., 2nd sess., availableCong., 2nd sess., available
at https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/116-House-Rules-Clerk-at https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/116-House-Rules-Clerk-
V2.pdf. V2.pdf.
23
23
TheT he most recent report was published most recent report was published
in January 2020. See U.S.in January 2020. See U.S.
Congress, Congress,
Reports to be Made to Congress, prepared , prepared
by by
TheT he Clerk, U.S. Clerk, U.S.
House of Representatives, House of Representatives,
116th116 th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 116-85 (Washington: GPO, 2020), Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 116-85 (Washington: GPO, 2020),
available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-116hdoc85/pdf/CDOC-116hdoc85.pdf. available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-116hdoc85/pdf/CDOC-116hdoc85.pdf.
24 More details on each report listed in “Reports to be Made to Congress”24 More details on each report listed in “Reports to be Made to Congress”
can be found in the associated federal can be found in the associated federal
authorities as listedauthorities as listed
in the document. in the document.
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information can be found. Alternatively, the publication can be searched for relevant keywords,
such as the report submitter or subject matter.
The publication also provides a list of reporting requirements with “sunset provisions.” In this
section, the included reporting requirements have dates by which the individual requirements
expire or wil be terminated.
Strategies for Locating Submitted Reports
How Reports Are Submitted to Congress
Reports may be submitted to Congress in several ways. Reports may be submitted to Congress in several ways.
Agencies may submit physical copies of required reports to congressional
Agencies may submit physical copies of required reports to congressional
committees, committee leadership, or to Congress in general without a specified
committees, committee leadership, or to Congress in general without a specified
recipient. recipient.
In cases where the required reporting is described in statute as a testimony,
In cases where the required reporting is described in statute as a testimony,
meeting, briefing, or other in-person or oral report, the report may be delivered
meeting, briefing, or other in-person or oral report, the report may be delivered
in-person before the respective recipients (i.e., committees, individuals, or to in-person before the respective recipients (i.e., committees, individuals, or to
Congress in general) with or without an accompanying written report. Congress in general) with or without an accompanying written report.
Timing of submissions may vary
Timing of submissions may vary
:; reports and other information may be required reports and other information may be required
to be submitted once (e.g., by a specified date), on a recurring basis (e.g.,
to be submitted once (e.g., by a specified date), on a recurring basis (e.g.,
annuallyannual y), or as specified circumstances arise (e.g., each time the Secretary takes ), or as specified circumstances arise (e.g., each time the Secretary takes
a particular action).25a particular action).25
Sources for Submitted Reports
There is no single repository for reports submitted to Congress; as such, copies of these reports There is no single repository for reports submitted to Congress; as such, copies of these reports
may be difficult to obtain. In some cases it may be easier to verify that a report was submitted may be difficult to obtain. In some cases it may be easier to verify that a report was submitted
than to locate a copy of the report. than to locate a copy of the report.
Congressional Record
Written reports due to Congress in general are Written reports due to Congress in general are
typicallytypical y submitted as Executive Communications submitted as Executive Communications
(ECs). The House and Senate Executive Clerks’ Offices record the EC submissions and create an (ECs). The House and Senate Executive Clerks’ Offices record the EC submissions and create an
abstract to be published in the abstract to be published in the
Congressional Record.26 The actual documents are then given to .26 The actual documents are then given to
the congressional committees to which they have been referred by the House or Senate the congressional committees to which they have been referred by the House or Senate
Parliamentarian’s Office. The House and Senate Parliamentarians’ Offices and the House and Parliamentarian’s Office. The House and Senate Parliamentarians’ Offices and the House and
Senate Executive Clerks’ Offices do not retain copies of submitted written reports. Thus, the full-Senate Executive Clerks’ Offices do not retain copies of submitted written reports. Thus, the full-
text versions of reports are text versions of reports are
generallygeneral y available available
in internal committee records or if the respective in internal committee records or if the respective
committee or the executive branch agency publish them online or elsewhere.committee or the executive branch agency publish them online or elsewhere.
Member, Committee, or Agency Websites
Some congressional committees and federal agencies may make certain reports available on their Some congressional committees and federal agencies may make certain reports available on their
public websites. Others may send copies to interested professional organizations or advocacy public websites. Others may send copies to interested professional organizations or advocacy
groups. The public release of such reports is up to the discretion of the entities receiving or issuing them (and in some cases depends on the classified nature of the report). On occasion, however, Congress includes in statute a requirement for a report to be posted on a publicly accessible website.
25 In the latter cases, depending25 In the latter cases, depending
on how often varied “specified circumstances” arise, some reports may be requiredon how often varied “specified circumstances” arise, some reports may be required
to to
be submittedbe submitted
zero, one, or multiple times. zero, one, or multiple times.
26 The26 T he full text of executive communications is never included full text of executive communications is never included
in the in the
Congressional Record. .
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groups. The public release of such reports is up to the discretion of the entities receiving or issuing them (and in some cases depends on the classified nature of the report). On occasion, however, Congress includes in statute a requirement for a report to be posted on a publicly
accessible website.
Agency compliance with reporting requirements can also be difficult to determine. As mentioned Agency compliance with reporting requirements can also be difficult to determine. As mentioned
previously, reports that are submitted to Congress in general are recorded by the House and previously, reports that are submitted to Congress in general are recorded by the House and
Senate Executive Clerks’ Offices; these abstracts are inserted in the Senate Executive Clerks’ Offices; these abstracts are inserted in the
Congressional Record and are and are
searchable in the respective House and Senate Communications tab on Congress.gov.27 However, searchable in the respective House and Senate Communications tab on Congress.gov.27 However,
if agencies submit their reports directly to committees instead, the transmission may not be if agencies submit their reports directly to committees instead, the transmission may not be
recorded and there may not be a public record of the transmission outside of internal committee recorded and there may not be a public record of the transmission outside of internal committee
records and internal agency records.records and internal agency records.
Committee Clerks
Congressional committee clerks may be able to assist congressional staff in determining the status Congressional committee clerks may be able to assist congressional staff in determining the status
of reporting submitted or referred to their committees. They may also be able to assist in locating of reporting submitted or referred to their committees. They may also be able to assist in locating
copies of transmitted reports. The release of information related to this reporting is at the copies of transmitted reports. The release of information related to this reporting is at the
discretion of each committee. discretion of each committee.
Congressional Liaisons for Federal Agencies
Hearings
In some cases, reports that are required to be submitted to Congress or to a specific committee
may be included in hearings and as such may be found in hearing transcripts. For example, if a report is required to be submitted in person, the transcript of the relaying official’s remarks may be included in the hearing record. This also may be the case if the record of a submitted written report is included in the hearing transcript. Hearing transcripts may be located on a multitude of platforms, including congressional committee websites, the Government Publishing Office’s
(GPO’s) GovInfo website,28 and the ProQuest Congressional database.29
Congressional Liaisons for Federal Agencies
In some cases, the congressional liaison offices for federal agencies may be able to assist in In some cases, the congressional liaison offices for federal agencies may be able to assist in
locating copies of reporting their agencies have submitted to Congress. Congressional liaison locating copies of reporting their agencies have submitted to Congress. Congressional liaison
contact information is available to congressional staff at https://www.crs.gov/Resources/contact information is available to congressional staff at https://www.crs.gov/Resources/
LiaisonOffices. LiaisonOffices.
Freedom of Information Act
Information Act
Congressional staff in their personal capacity, members of the public, and constituents may also Congressional staff in their personal capacity, members of the public, and constituents may also
be able to obtain copies of transmitted reports by submitting a Freedom of Information Act be able to obtain copies of transmitted reports by submitting a Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA). The submitted reports may be provided if the release of such information is not prohibited under an exemption in statute.28
Acknowledgements
The following individuals provided valuable input on this report: Clinton Brass, Specialist in Government Organization and Management; Todd Garvey, CRS Legislative Attorney; Michael Greene, Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process; Jennifer Manning, Senior Research Librarian; and Benjamin Wilhelm, Analyst in Government Organization and Management.
27 Executive Communications (ECs) are listed by communication number in the 27 Executive Communications (ECs) are listed by communication number in the
Congressional Record, which is , which is
available online from 1989 to present at https://www.congress.gov and in printed form for previous years. In addition, available online from 1989 to present at https://www.congress.gov and in printed form for previous years. In addition,
the online version of the the online version of the
Daily Digest on Congress.gov on Congress.gov
provides a link to the provides a link to the
Congressional Record page(s) that list page(s) that list
that day’s executive communications. ECs within House andthat day’s executive communications. ECs within House and
Senate Communications are also availableSenate Communications are also available
for searching for searching
and browsingand browsing
on Congress.govon Congress.gov
at https://www.congress.gov/. at https://www.congress.gov/.
28
28
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 U.S.C. §552, provides the public a right to access federal agency information. For more information on FOIA, see CRS In Focus IF11450, The Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA): An Introduction, by Daniel J. Sheffner. GPO’s GovInfo hearing transcript collection is available at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/chrg/87. 29 ProQuest Congressional is a database available to congressional staff on congressional devices at https://congressional.proquest.com.
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(FOIA). The submitted reports may be provided if the release of such information is not
prohibited under an exemption in statute.30
Author Information
Kathleen E. Marchsteiner
Research Librarian
Acknowledgments
The following individuals provided valuable input on this report: Clinton Brass, Specialist in Government Organization and Management; Todd Garvey, Legislative Attorney; Michael Greene, Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process; Jennifer Manning, Senior Research Librarian; and Ben Wilhelm, Analyst in Government Organization and Management. to Congress
Author Information
Kathleen E. Marchsteiner
Research Librarian
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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