United States Government Printing Office

United States Government Printing Office
Name	United States Government Printing Office
Formed	March 4, 1861
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.

United States Government Printing Office. Established by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President James Buchanan, this agency has served as the primary publisher for the federal government. It is responsible for producing and distributing official documents from all three branches, ensuring public access to government information. Its work underpins the transparency of the American political system.

History

The agency was created on the eve of the American Civil War, centralizing congressional printing previously handled by private firms. Its first Superintendent, John D. Defrees, oversaw operations during the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it expanded significantly, with its role codified by the Printing Act of 1895. Major milestones include producing the official record of the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision and countless documents for the War Department during both World War I and World War II. The Depository Library Program, established by the Act of Congress in 1858, was later administered by the office to distribute publications nationwide.

Functions and responsibilities

The core mission involves the production and dissemination of publications for the Executive Office of the President, the United States Senate, and the House of Representatives. It prints the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, and passports for the United States Department of State. The agency also oversees the Federal Depository Library Program, which provides public access to government documents through libraries like the Library of Congress. Furthermore, it maintains the official online repository, GPO Access (later GovInfo), ensuring permanent public access to digital publications.

Organization and structure

The agency is headed by the Public Printer of the United States, a role appointed by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate. It operates under the oversight of the Joint Committee on Printing. Key operational units have included the Superintendent of Documents and various production facilities. Historically, its main plant was located on North Capitol Street in Washington, D.C.. The organizational framework is designed to serve the legislative branch while fulfilling executive branch printing needs through inter-agency agreements.

Publications and products

Its output encompasses a vast array of critical government documents. These include the daily Congressional Record, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the United States Code. It produces the official versions of Supreme Court of the United States opinions, hearings for committees like the Senate Appropriations Committee, and reports from the Government Accountability Office. Other notable products have included the President's Budget and historical publications like the War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.

Technology and innovation

The agency has historically adapted to major technological shifts, transitioning from letterpress printing to offset printing and computer-based composition. It was an early adopter of electronic systems for typesetting and document management. A landmark advancement was the creation of GPO Access, an online service that preceded the modern GovInfo system. These innovations ensured the office could meet the demands of the Government Information Security Reform Act and other mandates for digital dissemination and preservation.

Name change and rebranding

Reflecting its evolution from a print-centric to a digital information provider, the agency underwent a formal name change. This rebranding was enacted by an Act of Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama. The new name emphasizes its modern role in managing government information in the digital age. The change was supported by the Committee on House Administration and marked a significant shift in its public identity and strategic direction.

Category:Government agencies established in 1861 Category:Printing organizations