University of Delaware Library

Special Collections Department

Thomas R. Carper
Congressional Papers

See below for collection citation and reference information.

I.C. Issue Files, 1983-1992

+ Series I.C. -- Scope and Content Note
+ Series I.C. -- List of Subseries in the Issue Files


Extent: 23 linear ft.

Boxes: 27 - 50

Contents: Correspondence, clippings, legislation, reports, testimonies, notes, memoranda, articles, CRS reports, DSG publications.

Arrangement: Twenty-two subseries, arranged alphabetically by issue title. See below.

Description:

Series I.C. Issues Files comprises the majority of the Thomas R. Carper Papers. The files span Carper's career as Delaware's member-at-large in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1983-1992. The files highlight the issues of the times and the corresponding legislation which Carper considered during his terms in Congress. These files are rich, both in their reflection of Carper's own thoughts and the work of his staff. The series reflects the day-to-day work of a member of Congress and illustrates the important role of legislative assistants (LAs) in a congressional office. With developed expertise in assigned subject areas, LAs collected, analyzed, and supplied the Congressman with information used throughout the daily performance of his duties, from legislative action and committee work, to response to constituent concerns. Handwritten memoranda, and drafts of speeches and letters throughout the papers are evidence of Carper's direct actions and personal thoughts.

Much of the correspondence in these files is from organizations and associations that would be affected by pending legislation. Carper's replies are often carefully worded and non-committal when legislation is being deliberated. Since his stance on issues is not always evident, the Series I.G. Voting Records is useful for revealing how Carper ultimately voted on issues.

Many of the files in this series contain Democratic Study Group (DSG) Fact Sheets, DSG Daily and Legislative Reports, Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports, and Whip Issue Papers. These useful reference tools clarify the issues, background, and the arguments of various pieces of legislation. The DSG reports are non-partisan summaries of the issue, and are especially enlightening. (See also Series I.H. Publications for a more complete description of DSG reports.) Many of the DSG reports have been annotated by staff, sometimes specifying how Carper should or did vote on specific bills. The DSG publications also list daily legislative schedules for the House, including summaries of bills coming before the House, and anticipated amendments.

List of Subseries in the Issue Files

+ Return to Index Page for Thomas R. Carper Congressional Papers

+ Guide to Other Political Papers at the University of Delaware Library

+ Return to List of Manuscript Finding Aids by Title

citation and reference information:

Thomas R. Carper
Congressional Papers

1979 - 1993
(bulk dates 1982 - 1992)

Manuscript Collection Number: 399
Accessioned: Gift of Thomas R. Carper, 1992, 1998-1999
Extent: 84 linear ft. and oversize material
Content: Legislation, correspondence, reports, documents and publications, memoranda, speeches, photographs, audio-visual material, newsletters, news clippings, and ephemera.
Access: The collection is open for research.
Processed: November 1997 - December 1999 by Rebecca J. Altermatt with assistance from Rob Costello; edited by L. Rebecca Johnson Melvin.

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Last modified: 01/19/11
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