WASHINGTON—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Defense, issued a statement praising a key provision he supported in the 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which allows for non-confidential reports of the Congressional Research Service to be publically available online for citizens. All non-confidential reports of the Congressional Research Service must be made publicly available online through a Government Publishing Office website within 90 to 270 days under a provision of the appropriations act that was passed by Congress and signed by the President last month.

The Congressional Research Service, a component of the Library of Congress, conducts research and analysis for Congress on a broad range of national policy issues. It is a non-partisan tool, which provides policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate. CRS experts assist at every stage of the legislative process — from the early considerations that precede bill drafting, through committee hearings and floor debate, to the oversight of enacted laws and various agency activities. It also approaches complex topics from a variety of perspectives and examines all sides of an issue. Staff members analyze current policies and present the impact of proposed policy alternatives.

“Transparency is a fundamental part of our democracy, and we have a responsibility to make sure that we uphold this value,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I am pleased to see that this key provision I supported in the Omnibus Bill will grant every taxpaying American with easy access to publically funded research online.

“For over a decade, CRS has proven to be a valuable, non-partisan resource that has helped lawmakers create and understand polices. Now, citizens will be able to use the same online database and read public records that will help them gain a better understanding of a variety of legislative topics and issues.”

For more information, please visit http://www.crs.gov/.