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Questions about United States Government Publishing Office

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was the United States Government Publishing Office established?

The Government Printing Office was created by congressional joint resolution on the 23rd of June, 1860. It began operations on the 4th of March, 1861, with 350 employees.

Why did the GPO change its name from Printing Office to Publishing Office?

The name change reflected a shift from print to digital document production and preservation. Congress included the renaming in an omnibus government funding bill passed in December 2014, and it took effect on the 17th of December, 2014, following President Barack Obama's signature.

What documents does the U.S. Government Publishing Office produce?

The GPO produces the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, the United States Code, Public and Private Laws, and both the House and Senate journals. It also produces U.S. passports, Trusted Traveler Program cards, and has published series including Foreign Relations of the United States since 1861.

How long has the GPO been making U.S. passports?

GPO has produced U.S. passports since the 1920s. It shifted entirely to e-passports in May 2007, when it ceased production of legacy passport booklets.

What is GovInfo and when did the GPO launch it?

GovInfo is a mobile-friendly public website that provides free access to federal documents including the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, and the U.S. Code. The GPO launched it in 2016 as the successor to its earlier Federal Digital System platform.

Who was the first Director of the U.S. Government Publishing Office?

Davita Vance-Cooks was the first person to hold the title of Director of the GPO. The title replaced the older designation of Public Printer when the agency was renamed in December 2014.