Includes access to the full text of all articles published since 1983. Coverage from 1991 to present. Congressional Universe provides web access to Congressional information. CRS, which is a department of the Library of Congress, works exclusively as a nonpartisan analytical, research, and reference arm for Congress. The CRS mission is to support an informed national legislature.
Federal requirements tend to be less stringent than most state regulations.
In Washington, for example, lobbyists are not required to wear badges or other forms of identification that enable members of congress or their staff to know when they are dealing with a lobbyist. Nor are congressional lobbyist registration records open to the public at large. There is no statutory requirement to reveal to the general public who is influencing federal legislation on behalf of whom. Those who wish to view official federal lobbyist registrations, must physically be in Washington and view the list on the Clerk's computer. Congress Watch monitors Congress and fights for consumer rights, government and corporate accountability, campaign finance reform, a clean environment, and health and safety protection through lobbying, public education, research and media outreach.