Okay, let’s gently unpack this news about the “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session” being published on www.govinfo.gov. It might sound a bit technical, but it’s essentially about making important laws and records accessible to everyone.
The News: Public Access to Laws from 2008
The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) announced on January 8, 2025, at 10:15 PM UTC, that “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122” is now available on their digital repository, www.govinfo.gov. This volume covers the laws passed during the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress, which means the legislative actions taken in 2008.
What are the United States Statutes at Large?
Think of the United States Statutes at Large as the official record book of all the laws passed by the United States Congress each year. It’s not just a list; it contains the full text of each law as it was originally enacted. This is important because sometimes laws are later changed (amended) or repealed (canceled), but the Statutes at Large preserve the original wording.
Why is Volume 122 Specifically Important?
Volume 122 captures the laws enacted during a significant period in American history – 2008. This was a year marked by:
- The Global Financial Crisis: Many of the laws in this volume likely deal with economic issues, financial regulations, and potential responses to the crisis that began that year. You might find laws related to banking, housing, and economic stimulus.
- The Final Year of the Bush Administration: The legislative agenda would have reflected the priorities of the administration and Congress at that time.
- Ongoing Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: Laws related to military funding, veterans’ affairs, and national security would almost certainly be included.
Examples of Legislation Possibly Included:
While we don’t know the exact content without looking at the volume itself, some potential topics that might be covered based on the events of 2008 include:
- Emergency Economic Stabilization Act: The act that created the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to bail out banks.
- Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008: Legislation aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
- Various appropriations bills funding government operations and programs.
- Amendments to existing laws on a wide range of topics.
Why is This Being Published Now (in 2025)?
The process of compiling, indexing, and making these volumes available takes time. There’s a delay between the year the laws are passed (2008) and when the official record is published (2025). It involves meticulous work to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
Why Does This Matter to You?
- Transparency and Accountability: Making these laws publicly available ensures transparency in government. Anyone can access and review the laws that govern them.
- Historical Record: This volume serves as a historical record of the decisions made by Congress during a specific period. Researchers, historians, and legal scholars can use it to understand the context of those decisions.
- Legal Research: Lawyers, students, and anyone involved in legal research can use the Statutes at Large to find the original text of laws.
- Informed Citizenship: Understanding the laws that affect our lives is essential for being an informed and engaged citizen.
How to Access the Document:
The direct link provided (www.govinfo.gov/app/details/STATUTE-122) should take you directly to the page on govinfo.gov where you can view and download the volume. govinfo.gov is a great resource for finding official government documents.
In Summary:
The publication of “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122” on govinfo.gov is a routine but important event. It makes the laws passed in 2008 officially and publicly accessible. It’s a reminder of the ongoing effort to ensure government transparency and preserve our legal history. This allows us to access and scrutinize the actions of our government, to be informed participants in our democracy.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session
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The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
www.govinfo.gov published ‘United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session’ at 2025-01-08 22:15. Please write a detailed article about this news, including related information, in a gentle tone. Please answer only in English.