For a quick and fun overview, see:
Schoolhouse Rock, I’m Just a Bill, (1974).
For a more detailed account, see:
Congress.gov, The Legislative Process, (2014).
For an official narrative of the process, see:
govinfo.gov, How Our Laws Are Made, H. Doc. 110-49 (2007).
For a 16 page report prepared for members of Congress, see:
Congressional Research Service, Legislative History Research: A Guide to Resources for Congressional Staff, CRS Rpt. 113-68; R41865, August 16, 2013.
For an explanation of which legislative history documents are created thorughout the process, see the "How A Bill Becomes a Law - Basic Steps" box below.
And finally, for a colorful flowchart, see this.
Diagram courtsey of Cybertelecom via Creative Commons with attribution.
In the House of Representatives:
In the Senate:
MacMillan Library Hybrid Research Services:
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
MacMillan Library Building Hours (May 12, 2025 - August 18, 2025)*:
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
*Closed May 26, June 19, and July 4, 2025
Reference Desk:
Monday: 1pm - 3pm
Tuesday: 1pm - 3pm (Virtual only)
Wednesday: 10am - 12pm
Thursday: 10am - 12pm (Virtual only)
Friday: Closed
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
IT Help Desk:
Monday - Friday:
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Emory Law Archives:
Physical archives: By appointment only.
Digital archives: More information available here.
Limited remote services are available on a case-by-case basis.
Questions? Email Anna Sturgill, Law Librarian for Archives and Assessment Services