2. Library of Congress Founded in 1800 Research library for Congress Over 100 million books Home to the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office Also serves the other branches of government http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-LibraryOfCongress-Seal.svg
3. Congressional Research Service Founded in 1914 Nonpartisan Known as “Congress’ Think Tank” Policy and legal analysis for committees and Congress members Provide insight from all sides and points of view on a topic or issue Report on policy issues Look at the impacts of alternatives policies
4. Congressional Budget Office Formed in 1974 Nonpartisan Purpose is similar to that of the Department of the Treasury and the Joint Committee on Taxation on that the determine costs and revenues Give reports on fiscal policy
5. Government Accountability Office Formed in 1921 Audit and investigate for Congress Evaluate where money goes, who gets money, et cetera In charge of finding out the nation’s debt level http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-GovernmentAccountabilityOffice-Seal.svg
6. Government Printing Office Founded in 1861 Prints all material for Congress Publishes the record of what happens in Congress daily http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-GovernmentPrintingOffice-Seal.svg
7. Lobbyists Even though they are not a staff agency, lobbyists make up one of the four main Congressional advisors, the other three being the CRS, the CBO, and the GAO Provide insight on particular topics Help committees Experts on their particular topic
