The publication of volume 18 of Deschler-Brown-Johnson-Sullivan Precedents marks the completion of the compilation of modern precedents of the House of Representatives commenced by then Parliamentarian Lewis Deschler in 1974. The volume contains the forty-first and final chapter in the series as well as an appendix authored by former Parliamentarian Charles W. Johnson, III. Chapter 41 is focused on the budget process in the House and contains precedents from the enactment of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 through 2012. The appendix represents commentary from the perspective of Charles W. Johnson, III, whose service in the Office of the Parliamentarian with seven successive Speakers uniquely qualifies him to document the parliamentary evolution of the House since the publication of volume 1 in 1976. The contributions of former Parliamentarian John V. Sullivan, particularly his vision and leadership in preparing this volume and modernizing the Office of Compilation of Precedents, are gratefully acknowledged.

Some vols. include supplemental journals of "such proceedings of the sessions, as, during the time they were depending, were ordered to be kept secret, and respecting which the injunction of secrecy was afterwards taken off by the order of the House".

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Debates for sessions prior to 1873 are recorded in The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States (1789-1824), the Register of Debates in Congress (1824-1837), and the Congressional Globe (1833-1873)