Legal Definitions - Government Printing Office

The Government Printing Office (GPO) is the official publishing and distribution arm of the United States federal government. Operating within the legislative branch, its primary role is to produce and disseminate a wide array of government information, including legislative documents, regulations, and reports from various federal agencies, ensuring public access to official government publications.

• Example 1: Imagine a new federal law, such as the "Clean Air Act Amendments of 2023," has just been signed into law. The official, legally binding text of this statute, as it will appear in the United States Statutes at Large, is prepared and printed by the GPO.

  Explanation: This illustrates the GPO's role in publishing congressional documents, specifically the authoritative versions of federal laws, making them accessible to legal professionals and the public.

• Example 2: The Department of Agriculture releases its annual "Farm Bill Report," detailing agricultural policies, subsidies, and market trends. To ensure this comprehensive report is widely available in an official, standardized format, the GPO manages its printing and distribution.

  Explanation: This demonstrates the GPO's function in producing and distributing publications from executive branch agencies, ensuring official government information reaches stakeholders and the public.

• Example 3: A historian is researching the debates surrounding a significant piece of legislation from the 1970s. They would consult the official daily record of congressional proceedings, known as the Congressional Record, which is compiled, printed, and distributed by the GPO.

  Explanation: This highlights the GPO's responsibility for maintaining and publishing the official record of legislative activity, providing a crucial resource for historical research and public accountability.