United States Government Printing Office
Encyclopedia
The United States Government Printing Office (GPO) is an agency of the legislative branch
of the United States federal government. The office prints documents produced by and for the federal government, including the Supreme Court
, the Congress
, the Executive Office of the President
, executive departments
, and independent agencies
.
25 of June 23, 1860. It began operations March 4, 1861, with 350 employees. For its entire history, it has occupied the corner of North Capitol Street NW and H Street NW in the District of Columbia. The activities of GPO are defined in the public printing and documents chapters of Title 44 of the United States Code
. The Public Printer, who serves as the head of GPO, is appointed by the President
with the advice and consent
of the Senate
. The Public Printer selects a Superintendent of Documents.
The Superintendent of Documents (SuDocs) is in charge of the dissemination of information at the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). This is accomplished through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), the Cataloging and Indexing Program and the Publication Sales Program, as well as operation of the Federal Citizen Information Center
in Pueblo, Colorado. Adelaide Hasse
was the founder of the Superintendent of Documents classification system.
In September 2009, the GPO produced the Congressional Record on 100 percent recycled paper for the first time.
In March 2011, GPO issued a new illustrated official history covering the agency's 150 years of Keeping America Informed.
GPO has been producing U.S. passports since the 1920s. The United States Department of State
began issuing e-passports in 2006. The e-Passport includes an electronic chip embedded in the cover that contains the same information that is printed in the passport: name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, dates of passport issuance and expiration, passport number and photo image of the traveler. GPO produces the blank e-Passport, while the Department of State receives and processes applications and issues individual passports. GPO ceased production of legacy passports in May 2007, shifting production entirely to e-passports.
In March 2008, the Washington Times published a three-part story about the outsourcing of electronic passports to overseas companies, including one in Thailand that was victimized by Chinese espionage.
and FAST) for the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
. Among the venerable series are Foreign Relations of the United States for the Department of State
(since 1861), Statistical Abstract of the United States
for the Census Bureau
(since 1878) and Public Papers of the President, covering the administrations of Presidents Herbert Hoover
onward (except Franklin D. Roosevelt
, whose papers were privately printed).
Public Printers:
Legislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
of the United States federal government. The office prints documents produced by and for the federal government, including the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
, the Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
, the Executive Office of the President
Executive Office of the President of the United States
The Executive Office of the President consists of the immediate staff of the President of the United States, as well as multiple levels of support staff reporting to the President. The EOP is headed by the White House Chief of Staff, currently William M. Daley...
, executive departments
United States Federal Executive Departments
The United States federal executive departments are among the oldest primary units of the executive branch of the federal government of the United States—the Departments of State, War, and the Treasury all being established within a few weeks of each other in 1789.Federal executive...
, and independent agencies
Independent agencies of the United States government
Independent agencies of the United States federal government are those agencies that exist outside of the federal executive departments...
.
History
GPO was created by Congressional Joint ResolutionJoint resolution
In the United States Congress, a joint resolution is a legislative measure that requires approval by the Senate and the House and is presented to the President for his/her approval or disapproval, in exactly the same case as a bill....
25 of June 23, 1860. It began operations March 4, 1861, with 350 employees. For its entire history, it has occupied the corner of North Capitol Street NW and H Street NW in the District of Columbia. The activities of GPO are defined in the public printing and documents chapters of Title 44 of the United States Code
Title 44 of the United States Code
Title 44 of the United States Code outlines the role of public printing and documents in the United States Code.- Chapters :The title contains 41 chapters:-External links:*, via United States Government Printing Office*, via Cornell University...
. The Public Printer, who serves as the head of GPO, is appointed by the President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
with the advice and consent
Advice and consent
Advice and consent is an English phrase frequently used in enacting formulae of bills and in other legal or constitutional contexts, describing a situation in which the executive branch of a government enacts something previously approved of by the legislative branch.-General:The expression is...
of the Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
. The Public Printer selects a Superintendent of Documents.
Federal Citizen Information Center
The Federal Citizen Information Center , originally the Federal Consumer Information Center, is a department in the United States government's General Services Administration...
in Pueblo, Colorado. Adelaide Hasse
Adelaide Hasse
Adelaide Rosalie Hasse is listed as one of the “100 most important leaders we had in the 20th century” in the December 1999 edition of American Libraries...
was the founder of the Superintendent of Documents classification system.
In September 2009, the GPO produced the Congressional Record on 100 percent recycled paper for the first time.
In March 2011, GPO issued a new illustrated official history covering the agency's 150 years of Keeping America Informed.
Official journals of government
GPO contracts out much of the federal government's printing but prints the official journals of government in-house, including:- Code of Federal RegulationsCode of Federal RegulationsThe Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of the general and permanent rules and regulations published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government of the United States.The CFR is published by the Office of the Federal Register, an agency...
- Public and Private Laws
- The Congressional RecordCongressional RecordThe Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published by the United States Government Printing Office, and is issued daily when the United States Congress is in session. Indexes are issued approximately every two weeks...
- The Federal RegisterFederal RegisterThe Federal Register , abbreviated FR, or sometimes Fed. Reg.) is the official journal of the federal government of the United States that contains most routine publications and public notices of government agencies...
, which is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations. - United States CodeUnited States CodeThe Code of Laws of the United States of America is a compilation and codification of the general and permanent federal laws of the United States...
- United States Statutes at LargeUnited States Statutes at LargeThe United States Statutes at Large, commonly referred to as the Statutes at Large and abbreviated Stat., are the official source for the laws and concurrent resolutions passed by the United States Congress...
- House Journal and Senate Journal
Passports
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
began issuing e-passports in 2006. The e-Passport includes an electronic chip embedded in the cover that contains the same information that is printed in the passport: name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, dates of passport issuance and expiration, passport number and photo image of the traveler. GPO produces the blank e-Passport, while the Department of State receives and processes applications and issues individual passports. GPO ceased production of legacy passports in May 2007, shifting production entirely to e-passports.
In March 2008, the Washington Times published a three-part story about the outsourcing of electronic passports to overseas companies, including one in Thailand that was victimized by Chinese espionage.
Trusted Traveler Program card
GPO designs, prints, encodes and personalizes Trusted Traveler Program cards (NEXUS, SENTRISecure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection provides expedited U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing, at the U.S.-Mexico border, of pre-approved travelers, considered low-risk...
and FAST) for the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
GPO's Style Manual
GPO publishes the United States Style ManualStyle guide
A style guide or style manual is a set of standards for the writing and design of documents, either for general use or for a specific publication, organization or field...
. Among the venerable series are Foreign Relations of the United States for the Department of State
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
(since 1861), Statistical Abstract of the United States
Statistical Abstract of the United States
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a publication of the United States Census Bureau, an agency of the United States Department of Commerce...
for the Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
(since 1878) and Public Papers of the President, covering the administrations of Presidents Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Clark Hoover was the 31st President of the United States . Hoover was originally a professional mining engineer and author. As the United States Secretary of Commerce in the 1920s under Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge, he promoted partnerships between government and business...
onward (except Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
, whose papers were privately printed).
Public Printers of the United States
By law, the Public Printer heads the GPO. The position of Public Printer traces its roots back to Benjamin Franklin and the period before the American Revolution, when he served as "publick printer," whose job was to produce official government documents for Pennsylvania and other colonies.Public Printers:
- Almon M. Clapp (1876–1877)
- John D. DefreesJohn D. DefreesJohn Dougherty Defrees was an American newspaperman and politician.-Political career:Born in Sparta, Tennessee, Defrees moved to Ohio and worked in the law office of Thomas Corwin, who would later serve as Governor of Ohio. In 1831, Defrees and his brother, Joseph, moved to South Bend, Indiana,...
(1877–1882) - Sterling P. Rounds (1882–1886)
- Thomas E. Benedict (1886–1889)
- Frank W. Palmer (1889–1894)
- Thomas E. Benedict (1894–1897)
- Frank W. Palmer (1897–1905), O.J. Ricketts (Acting, 1905-1905)
- Charles A. Stillings (1905–1908), William S. Rossiter (Acting, 1908-1908), Capt. Henry T. Brian (Acting, 1908-1908)
- John S. Leech (1908-1908)
- Samuel B. Donnelly (1908–1913)
- Cornelius Ford (1913–1921)
- George H. Carter (1921–1934)
- Augustus E. Giegengack (1934–1948), John J. Deviny (Acting, 1948-1948)
- John J. Deviny (1948–1953), Phillip L. Cole (Acting, 1953-1953)
- Raymond Blattenberger (1953–1961), John M. Wilson (Acting, 1961-1961), Felix E. Cristofane (Acting, 1961-1961)
- James L. Harrison (1961–1970)
- Adolphus N. Spence (1970–1972), Harry J. Humphrey (Acting, 1972–1973), L.T. Golden (Acting Deputy, 1973-1973)
- Thomas F. McCormick (1973–1977)
- John J. Boyle (1977–1980), Samuel Saylor (Acting, 1980–1981)
- Danford L. Sawyer, Jr. (1981–1984), William J. Barrett (Acting, 1984-1984)
- Ralph E. Kennickell, Jr. (1984–1989)
- Robert Houk (1990–1993), Michael F. DiMario (Acting, 1993-1993)
- Michael F. DiMario (1993-2002)
- Bruce James (2002–2007), William H. Turri (Acting, 2007-2007)
- Robert C. TapellaRobert C. TapellaRobert C. Tapella was the 25th Public Printer of the United States, the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Government Printing Office , an agency that produces and distributes information products for all branches of the Federal Government....
(2007–2010) - William J. BoarmanWilliam J. BoarmanWilliam Joseph "Bill" Boarman is the 26th Public Printer of the United States. A former American printer, labor union leader, and government consultant, he has previously served as Senior Vice-President of the Communications Workers of America and President of that union's Printing, Publishing &...
(2010-
Notable GPO publications
- Cumulative Copyright CatalogsCopyright CatalogUnited States copyright registrations, renewals and other catalog entries since 1978 are published online at the. Entries prior to 1978 are not published in the Online Catalog....
- Medical and Surgical History of the War of the RebellionMedical and Surgical History of the War of the RebellionThe Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, 1861-65 was a U.S. Government Printing Office publication consisting of six volumes published between 1870 and 1888 and “prepared Under the Direction of Surgeon General United States Army, Joseph K. Barnes”...
(1870–88) - Official Records of the American Civil WarOfficial Records of the American Civil WarThe Official Records of the War of the Rebellion or often more simply the Official Records or ORs, constitute the most extensive collection of primary sources of the history of the American Civil War. Cornell University lists the official title as, "The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the...
- US Congressional Serial SetUS Congressional Serial SetThe United States Congressional Serial Set began in 1817 as the official collection of reports and documents of the United States Congress. The collection was published in a "serial" fashion, hence its name.-Overview:...
(Document (United States. War Dept.))(Original from Harvard University)(Issue 33 of Publication (United States. Adjutant-General's Office. Military Information Division) Issue 143 of Document, United States War Dept Issue 33 of Publication, United States Adjutant-General's Office)(Issue 143 of Document (United States. War Dept.))(Original from the New York Public Library)(Original from Harvard University)(Original from the University of California)
See also
- Bureau of Engraving and PrintingBureau of Engraving and PrintingThe Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a government agency within the United States Department of the Treasury that designs and produces a variety of security products for the United States government, most notable of which is paper currency for the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve itself is...
is responsible for the printing of United States currency. - Federal Digital SystemFederal Digital SystemThe Federal Digital System replaces GPOAccess, an information storage system to house electronic government documents, from 1994 with a modern information management system. FDsys authenticates, preserves, versions, and provides permanent public access to federal government information...
(FDsys) - National Technical Information ServiceNational Technical Information ServiceThe National Technical Information Service is an agency within the United States Department of Commerce that serves as the U.S. government repository for research and development results and for other information produced by and for the government as well as a variety of public and private sources...
- Queen's PrinterQueen's PrinterThe Queen's Printer is a position defined by letters patent under the royal prerogative in various Commonwealth realms...
- United States Congress Joint Committee on PrintingUnited States Congress Joint Committee on PrintingThe Joint Committee on Printing is a joint committee of the United States Congress devoted to overseeing the functions of the Government Printing Office and general printing procedures of the federal government of the United States...