This text focuses on the history of the development of law in relation to the public lands , the colonial land systems, the origin of the public domain, and the conflicting interests generating change in land policy from colonial times to the 20th century. As a special feature it discusses the legal aspects of mineral resources exploitation.

Considers S. 2225 and companion H.R. 12121, to establish the Public Land Law Review Commission to study existing laws and procedures relating to the administration of the U.S. public land and to increase the authorized appropriations.

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)