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SEARCH Act of 2004

Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census.

Official summary

Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Jun 25, 2004

Servitude and Emancipation Archival Research ClearingHouse Act of 2004 or the SEARCH Act of 2004 - Directs the Archivist of the United States to establish, as part of the National Archives, a national database consisting of historic records of servitude and emancipation in the United States to assist African Americans in researching their genealogy.

Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to maintain the database.

Authorizes appropriations.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA] · D–LA

Committees

  • Oversight and Government Reform Committee
  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
7 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.

  3. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  4. Received in the House.

  5. Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7527; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S7527; text as passed Senate: CR S7527)

  6. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7527; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S7527; text as passed Senate: CR S7527)

  7. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 589.

  8. Committee on Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Collins with amendments. With written report No. 108-282.

  9. Committee on Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Collins with amendments. With written report No. 108-282.

  10. Committee on Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

  11. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8238)

  12. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8237-8238)

  13. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Analyze S.1292 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

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Institutions and government scope

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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