Number: 98-628
Title: Private Bills: Procedure in the House
Authors: Richard S. Beth, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: A private bill is one providing benefits to specified individuals (including corporate bodies). Individuals sometimes request relief through private law when administrative or legal remedies are exhausted, but Congress seems more often to view private legislation as appropriate in cases for which no other remedy is available, and when its enactment would, in a broad sense, afford equity.
Pages: 2
Date: October 21, 2004