Only the statutory text is authoritative. Read the statute. Read the statute. If the meaning is plain, apply it. Use canons of statutory construction to discern meaning.
Legislative history is irrelevant, even to resolve statutory ambiguity.
If the meaning were plain, we wouldn't be here, your Honor. Purposivist Apply the statute so as best to give effect to its purpose. Substantive Canons Statutes in derogation of the common law should be strictly construed. Special statutes trump general statutes. It rather depends on your approach to statutory interpretation.