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US Congressional Serial Set DOC 12626-1

United States. (1963). United States congressional serial set DOC 12626-1 (412 pages). U.S. Government Printing Office. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015087695790 Full text available via HathiTrust

The US Congressional Serial Set DOC 12626-1 is a GPO (Government Printing Office) publication from 1963 that includes documents, reports, and journals, such as information about books, articles, pamphlets, government documents, legislation, and information regarding topical concerns from the current year. In 1963 it is clear that the main cause of concern is the threat of communism, the power of the USSR, and international relations.

To elaborate, James O. Eastland, chairman of the Senate International Security Subcommittee writes, “Since… 1962, the subcommittee has been gratified by the tremendous growth of interest in the subject of world communism and how to combat it. This interest has been stimulated by the great out-pouring of literature in this field supplying a vast reservoir of valuable information… This bibliography will be of inestimable assistance in guiding the Senate to information essential for the proper framing of legislation with regard to the Communist problem,” (Eastland, 1963, p. 7).

This fascinating document hosts interesting texts that originate from fears (of the government and the public) from a very intense period in history. The publication provides context and readings regarding how the government and committees gathered data and created opinions, leading to legislation and official government publishing. The US Congressional Serial Set of 1963 is a fascinating and lengthy document, perfect for interested parties and researchers, as it reveals the legislative system and government printing of the Red Scare era.

Themes: Access to government information Congressional research Government publications Legislative history Public policy 1960s politics and history Government transparency Threats of communism International relations concerns US and USSR relations