Useful for tracking earlier versions of regulations, but only when armed with a specific citation. You should know the number of the bill which became the statute you are interested in, and the year in which it passed to begin looking here. Index as well as Record is on microfiche after 1986, and available on the Internet after 1994 through Thomas, see Internet Resources Below. Necessary to understanding what happens to bills and why. There is often a great deal of overlap between reports so focus on the more inclusive later reports.
Some reports are in paper, but many are on microfiche.
Find the relevant ones through legislative histories in Statutes at Large . Recent reports may be available through Thomas or Congressional Universe. You can usually find the library copy through the Library Catalog , but be sure to have the exact title. Hearing Transcripts - Transcripts of congressional committee hearings during which interested parties testify as to the desirability of particular legislation. Useful for understanding the issues, necessary for identifying the groups interested in legislation and understanding the reasons why they are so interested.