Secret Sessions of Congress: A Brief Historical Overview
Abstract
"Secret" or "closed door" sessions of the House of Representatives and Senate are held periodically to discuss business, including impeachment deliberations, deemed to require confidentiality and secrecy. Authority for the two chambers to hold these sessions is implied by Article I, Section 5, of the Constitution. Both the House and the Senate have supplemented this clause through rules and precedents. Although secret sessions were common in Congress's early years, they were less frequent through the 20th century. National security has been the principal reason for such sessions in recent years. Members and staff who attend these meetings are prohibited from divulging information. Violations are punishable by each chamber's disciplinary rules. Members may be expelled and staff dismissed for violations of the rules of secrecy. Transcripts from secret sessions are not published unless the relevant chamber votes to release them during the session or at a later time. The portions released may then be printed in the Congressional Record. This report contains tables showing the date and reason for closed Senate sessions since 1929, and for closed House sessions since 1812. This report will be revised when either house holds another secret session or amends its rules for these meetings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 03, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA445487
Entities
People
- Mildred Amer
Organizations
- Library of Congress