Skip to Main Content
Phillips Library Banner

U.S. Domestic Policy Research

How to research policy and legislation applying to those in the United States of America

Statements from politicians and organizations often help us understand the responses to a policy.

While you may find comments in interviews in print, audio, or visual news media, direct statements are especially official.

Organization Statements on Policy

Organizations often take a stand on issues--whether to support or denounce. 

Statements may be made by the leader (i.e. chair, president, CEO) or released on behalf of the entire organization. Keep in mind statements from larger organizations--think national or state--usually hold more weight. Similarly, a social media post from an official organization account is noteworthy but not as meaningful as a full statement.

Examples:

Letter Concerning the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act (H.R. 5129) - from Catholic Charities USA
AASL Signs Letter Calling a Halt to Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation - from American Association of School Libraries via American Library Association 
Letter of Support for the Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act (S. 299) - from the National Association of Social Workers

Each policy will interest different organizations. Brainstorm some organizations that might be paying attention to your policy and search for statements or press releases.

  • professional organizations e.g. Fraternal Order of Police, American Psychological Association, 
  • advocacy organizations e.g. Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, National Congress of American Indians
  • political organizations e.g. Emily's List, Serve America Movement, Libertarian Party
  • charities and nonprofits e.g. St. Jude, Doctor's Without Borders, Environmental Defense Fund

Politicians' Statements on Policy

Members of Congress, political administrations, and other people holding political office often release statements of their stance on issues. They also share about specific bills and policy efforts. Sponsors and cosponsors of bills are particularly likely to release a statement.

You can find these statements on their official websites. You can also find informal statements made on social media or to the press. ProPublica also boasts a collection of statements from politicians, linked below.

Examples: 
Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 4521 – America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in
Technology, and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act of 2022 
LaMalfa Opposes Resolution to Increase Energy Costs for Families