From 1937 through 1986, the post was known as "Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress," and from 1986 to the present, it was known as "Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry." On December 20, 1985, Congress passed Public Law 99-194, changing the name, which took effect on January 3, 1986. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Edward M. Kennedy and in the House by William H. Jeffress Jr. The purpose of the appointment is to provide leadership for the development of the art of poetry in America. The position was created by an act of Congress in 1937 (50 Stat. 350) and has been renewed each year since then. The current term will end on December 31, 2019.