The United States Government Printing Office (GPO) is a federal agency responsible for the production and dissemination of official U.S. government publications and information. Established by Congress in 1860, the GPO serves as the principal agency for printing, publishing, and distributing official documents and records of the federal government.
The GPO's primary role is to provide printing and document services to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. This includes producing bills, resolutions, reports, regulations, and other official publications required by Congress and various federal agencies. The GPO also prints and distributes the Federal Register, the official journal of the U.S. government, which contains executive orders, regulations, and other administrative documents.
In addition to its print services, the GPO has also embraced digital technologies to adapt to the evolving needs of the information age. It operates the Federal Digital System (FDsys), an online platform that allows public access to official government publications, including the Code of Federal Regulations, Congressional Record, and public laws.
The GPO plays a crucial role in preserving and providing access to the nation's historical documents and publications. It operates the U.S. Government Publishing Office Library Program, which ensures the availability of government publications in libraries across the country.
Overall, the U.S. Government Printing Office serves as a central agency for the production, dissemination, and preservation of official government documents, playing a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public access to information.
