Congressional Record facts for kids
The Congressional Record is the official daily report of everything that happens in the United States Congress. Think of it like a detailed diary or a transcript of all the speeches, debates, and actions taken by the lawmakers in the U.S.. It's published by the United States Government Printing Office, which is the official publisher for the U.S. government.
The Congressional Record comes out whenever Congress is meeting. Special indexes are printed every couple of weeks to help people find specific information. After Congress finishes its work for the year, all the daily reports are gathered and bound into large, permanent books. This makes sure there's a lasting record of what happened. The Congressional Record is similar to reports in other countries, like the Hansards in the United Kingdom, which record parliamentary debates.
Contents
What is the Congressional Record?
The Congressional Record is a very important document. It records the official words spoken by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It also includes details about bills that are introduced, votes that are taken, and other official actions.
Why is it Important?
This record helps everyone know exactly what their elected officials are doing. It's a way for citizens, historians, and future lawmakers to look back and see how laws were made. It ensures transparency, meaning that government actions are open for everyone to see.
A Daily Snapshot
Each day Congress is in session, the Congressional Record is updated. It's like a newspaper for Congress, but much more detailed. It includes:
- Speeches given by senators and representatives.
- Discussions and debates on new laws.
- Voting results on different issues.
- Official statements and documents.
How is it Produced?
The process of creating the Congressional Record is very precise. Reporters called "official reporters of debates" listen carefully to everything said in Congress. They write down every word.
From Spoken Word to Print
These notes are then quickly turned into text. Members of Congress can make small changes to their words for grammar or clarity, but they cannot change the meaning of what they said. This ensures the record is accurate. Once approved, it is printed and made available to the public.
Images for kids
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A page from the February 12, 1999, edition of the Congressional Record, showing how important events are recorded. Formal citation: 1999 Congressional Record, Vol. 145, Page S1457 .
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A page from the June 14 to 28, 1935, Congressional Record.
