Identifies three recent trends that threaten the integrity of the records of the U.S. Congress. First, the volume and complexity of individual members' records are increasing dramatically, while members typically are finding less time to oversee the preservation of these materials. Second, over the past five years, the nearly revolutionary conversion to electronic records in member and committee offices poses major new challenges for the preservation of this inherently unstable form of information storage. Third, random dispersal of members' papers to numerous institutions within each state is impeding efforts to organize state-based public-service resources centers.