Committee reports

• Prepared after the committee the bill was referred to has voted in favor of recommending to the full chamber that it pass the bill.

• Most reliable and persuasive indication of legislative intent.

• Contains then-latest version of bill (reported bill).

• Contains section-by-section bill analysis.

Floor debate in the Congressional Record

• Transcribed floor debate by the full chamber after the bill has been approved by the committee.

• Statements by key players are more persuasive.

Committee hearings

• Transcribed hearings initially held by the committee to obtain information from interested parties on whether a bill should be approved.

• Committee member statements and testimony by notable players is more persuasive.

Bills

• Evolution of different bill versions may indicate legislative intent, by inference.

Committee prints

• Background research prepared for the congressional committee.