A Look Back: The 85th Congress and the Newly Released Volume 72 of the Statutes at Large,www.govinfo.gov


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A Look Back: The 85th Congress and the Newly Released Volume 72 of the Statutes at Large

In a world where information seems to appear and disappear in an instant, it’s comforting to know that important historical records are carefully preserved and made available to the public. In December 2024, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) through govinfo.gov quietly added a valuable piece of history to its digital collection: United States Statutes at Large, Volume 72, 85th Congress, 2nd Session.

While the date of publication is recent, the contents of this volume take us back to the 1950s. It’s a window into a very different time, a time of Cold War tensions, emerging civil rights movements, and significant advancements in science and technology. The 85th Congress, which met during 1958, grappled with issues that continue to resonate today, from education and infrastructure to national security and economic development.

What are the Statutes at Large?

For those unfamiliar, the United States Statutes at Large is the official record of all laws passed by the U.S. Congress. Think of it as a comprehensive, yearly ledger of everything that became law in the United States during that particular session of Congress. It’s a vital resource for legal professionals, historians, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolution of American law. Each volume contains the exact text of the laws as they were originally enacted.

Why is this publication important?

The release of Volume 72 is significant for several reasons:

  • Accessibility: Putting this historical volume on govinfo.gov makes it freely available to anyone with an internet connection. No more needing to travel to a specific library or archive! This democratization of access is a boon for researchers and curious citizens alike.
  • Historical Context: These laws offer invaluable insight into the political, social, and economic climate of 1958. Studying them allows us to understand the challenges and priorities of that era and how they shaped the present. For example, the volume could include legislation related to the National Defense Education Act (passed in response to Sputnik), which aimed to improve American education in science, math, and foreign languages.
  • Legal Research: While many laws have been amended or repealed since 1958, the original text remains essential for legal research. Understanding the historical context of a law can be crucial for interpreting its meaning and application.
  • Completeness of Record: The addition of this volume continues to build a more complete and accessible record of U.S. law, providing a reliable source for generations to come.

What can you find in Volume 72?

While the specific laws included in Volume 72 would need to be examined directly on govinfo.gov, one can generally expect to find a diverse range of legislation, including:

  • Appropriations Bills: Laws allocating federal funding to various government agencies and programs.
  • Public Laws: Legislation affecting the general public, covering topics like education, transportation, agriculture, and social security.
  • Private Laws: Legislation affecting specific individuals or entities, often addressing claims against the government.
  • Treaties: Agreements between the United States and other countries.
  • Amendments to Existing Laws: Changes made to laws already on the books.

How to Explore Volume 72:

If you’re interested in delving into the specifics of Volume 72, here’s how to get started:

  1. Visit govinfo.gov: Go to the official website of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) at govinfo.gov.
  2. Search for the Volume: Use the search bar to look for “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 72.”
  3. Browse the Contents: Once you find the volume, you can browse the table of contents or use keywords to search for specific laws or topics.
  4. Download and Read: You can download the volume in various formats, such as PDF, for easy reading and research.

In Conclusion:

The publication of United States Statutes at Large, Volume 72 might seem like a small event, but it represents a significant commitment to preserving and providing access to our nation’s legal history. It’s an invitation to explore the past, understand the present, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complex forces that have shaped American society. It’s a reminder that even in the age of instant information, there’s value in looking back and learning from the decisions of previous generations. So, take a look, explore, and discover a piece of American history!


United States Statutes at Large, Volume 72, 85th Congress, 2nd Session


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www.govinfo.gov published ‘United States Statutes at Large, Volume 72, 85th Congress, 2nd Session’ at 2024-12-19 16:03. Please write a detailed article about this news, including related information, in a gentle tone. Please answer only in English.

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