Different types of government publications are produced at different stages of the policy process. Most government publications are generated in the policy formulation and selection states, as the bill becomes a law. It will help to understand the process by which a policy becomes law. Below is a summary of the federal legislative process.
States follow similar steps.
For more details about the types of information available on Thomas, see the General Reference Resources page. Some hearings are available online as well. The bill is introduced in the full House or Senate and immediately assigned to a committee. The committee usually refers the bill to a subcommittee for study, hearings, revisions, and approval. The subcommittee sends the bill back to the full committee, which may amend or rewrite the bill.