Information retrieved on this page comes directly from the U. S. Government Printing Office.

GPO is part of the legislative branch of the Federal Government. The Public Printer, who serves as GPO’s chief officer, is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. GPO operates under the authority of the public printing and documents chapters of Title 44 of the U.S. Code. Created primarily to satisfy the printing needs of Congress, GPO today is the focal point for printing, binding, and information dissemination for the entire Federal community. In addition to Congress, approximately 130 Federal departments and agencies rely on GPO’s services. Congressional documents, census forms, Federal regulations and reports, IRS tax forms, and U.S. passports–all are produced by or through GPO. At one time GPO’s mission was accomplished through the production and procurement of conventional ink-on-paper printing. Today, after more than a generation’s experience with electronic printing systems, GPO is at the forefront in providing Government information in a wide range of formats, including printing, microfiche, CD-ROM, and online technology through GPO Access(www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess).