HeinOnline’s U.S. Federal Legislative History Library includes comprehensive federal legislative histories published by the U.S. Government Publishing Office as well as private publishers. Users can research legislative intent behind major public laws and follow the progression of a bill from its introduction to its passage. We recently added two new legislative histories to this database, and we want to make sure you didn’t miss them! See what’s new in today’s blog.

FOIA Oversight and Implementation Act of 2016

The FOIA Oversight and Improvement Act of 2016: A Legislative History of Public Law No. 114-185 by William H. Manz includes the text of the Act, which is an outgrowth of the Obama Administration’s efforts to provide for more government openness. This new law mandates that a federal agency may only withhold requested records if it reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm a small number of selected interests, including national security, trade secret protection, and personal privacy.

This compilation includes the text of the Act, report on the law, prior bill versions, related bills, the presidential signing statement, and congressional debate on the bill. Also included are congressional reports and hearings that relate to the new law, as well as CBO reports.

21st Century Cures Act

The 21st Century Cures Act: A Legislative History of Public Law No. 114-255 by William H. Manz contains the full text of the 21st Century Cures Act, its bill version, and the large number of related bills, reports, and congressional hearings. It also contains statements by President Obama and relevant debate as published in the Congressional Record.

Enacted by the 114th Congress, this act provides billions of dollars for new medical research and treatments. The wide-ranging Act consists of three main divisions:

• Division A: 21st Century Cures
• Division B: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis
• Division C: Increasing Choice, Access, and Quality in Health Care for Americans

Quick Search Tips

Wondering how to locate these new titles in the U.S. Federal Legislative History Library? Users can browse by Publication Title, Public Law Number, or Popular Name to locate legislative histories for a specific Act. For example, locate the FOIA Oversight and Implementation Act of 2016 by its public law number, 114-185. Begin by choosing Public Law No. from the Browse by section.

From the 114th Congress, locate the act by scrolling through the numerical listing. Click on the title of the Act to view available legislative histories.

To view the legislative history, click on the hyperlinked title. Looking for something specific in this legislative history? Use the search bar to search content contained within the compiled legislative history.

Click on Cumulative Content to open up the tables of contents in the title so users can see what documents are found in each volume.

The U.S. Federal Legislative History database is a part of our Core packages and not sold separately. If you are interested in purchasing a Core subscription, contact our Marketing team at marketing@wshein.com.

Need help searching or navigating HeinOnline? Contact our dedicated support team at (800) 277-6995, email us, or chat with us!