Government Documents
Tax Season is Upon Us
Tax Day (April 15th) is coming soon. If you should need assistance with finding information for preparing your taxes, check out our handy Lib Guide:
April 22nd is Earth Day!
First designated in 1970, Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to address concerns surrounding the growing industrial pollution in America. Prior to 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxic smoke into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, and it was perfectly legal. Consequently, Nelson sought to capitalize on student anti-war protests by organizing campus teach-ins to raise awareness on environmental issues as well. It was ultimately a successful endeavor, as these teach-ins and demonstrations forced the issue onto the national agenda. By December 1970, Congress had authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the
While environmental activism and policy making are essential parts of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, individual actions still greatly impact our environment as well. Therefore, many of the documents curated for our display aim to help individuals become more low-waste and sustainable in their personal lives. From at-home recycling to community clean-up efforts, there are plenty of easy ways to better invest in our planet.
We invite you now to browse some of our department鈥檚 resources and commemorative display as we celebrate Earth Day 2026! The display can be found at Marx Library on 2nd Floor South and has a and for more information.
**NOTE: This display is in response to patron鈥檚 suggestion! Thank you to those who have submitted departmental feedback. Have a topic or questions of your own? Click to help us help you.
War Powers Resolution: Who has the Power?
The is a federal law intended to check the U.S. president's power to commit the armed forces to hostile actions without congressional approval. It was passed during the Vietnam War era to reinforce Congress鈥檚 constitutional authority over war-making. The purpose of the law was to ensure that the collective judgment of both Congress and the President is applied to the deployment of troops during hostilities. It requires that the President submit a report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces into hostile areas where imminent involvement is indicated. If Congress does not declare war or authorize the action, armed force must be withdrawn within 60 days.
In the latest attempt to stop a president鈥檚 attempt to go to war, the (H.Con.Res.38/ S.J.Res.104) was brought before both house of Congress at the beginning of March. It failed, with a House vote of 212-219 and a Senate vote of 47-53 against the resolution.
For more information on this topic, check-out our latest display in the Government Documents Dept., 2nd floor South of Marx Library. A , with many of the government resources available on the topic, is available for your convenience.
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/27/26 (CRS REPORT, R48868)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/26/26 (CRS IN FOCUS, IF13169)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/25/26 (CRS REPORT, R48545)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/24/26 (CRS IN FOCUS, IF12902)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/24/26 (CRS REPORT, R48768)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/18/26E (CRS IN FOCUS, IF11643)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/17/26 (CRS IN FOCUS, IF13167)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/17/26 (CRS REPORT, R44770)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/17/26 (CRS REPORT, R45125)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/13/26 (CRS REPORT, R47020)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/12/26 (LEGAL SIDEBAR, LSB11394)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/12/26 (LEGAL SIDEBAR, LSB11395)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/10/26 (LEGAL SIDEBAR, LSB11393)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/9/26 (CRS IN FOCUS, IF11583)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/3/26 (CRS IN FOCUS, IF13151)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/2/26 (CRS REPORT, R48641)
U.S. Congressional Research Service, 2/2/26 (LEGAL SIDEBAR, LSB11391)
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