These are the records of meetings held by committees to listen to expert opinion about the subject matter of the bill. Hearings may extend over more than one session. Check the title of the hearing or the name of the committee in the online catalog. Also note the US Doc number. If not in online catalog - check the Monthly Catalog , or ask the librarian at the Information Desk.
Reports are the most important sources of legislative history.
For the 96th Congress the reports are on microfiche in the file of USDoc. So x96-1H.Doc.45. would be a House document from the 1st session 96th Congress. These are shelved on the Lower Level before the beginning of the A's . Action on the Floor of the House or Senate may include debate, amendments, votes to refer back, pass or reject. A bill passed may go to conference with the other house, or to the President.