Congressional Record meaning

The Congressional Record is a written record of the debates and proceedings of the United States Congress.


Congressional Record definitions

Word backwards lanoissergnoC droceR
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "Congressional Record" is a proper noun.
Syllabic division Con-gres-sion-al Re-cord
Plural The plural of Congressional Record is Congressional Records.
Total letters 19
Vogais (4) o,e,i,a
Consonants (9) c,n,g,r,s,l,d

Congressional Record: An Overview

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 and gives a verbatim account of the debates, speeches, remarks, and votes that occur on the floor of the House and Senate. This valuable resource provides a detailed historical archive of the legislative activities that shape the laws of the nation.

History and Significance

The Congressional Record has been published since the first Congress in 1789. It serves as a crucial tool for transparency and accountability in government by documenting the decisions made by elected representatives. This historical record not only informs current lawmakers but also provides researchers, historians, and the general public with access to the inner workings of the legislative process.

Contents and Format

The Congressional Record includes a wide range of content, such as the full text of bills, resolutions, and amendments, as well as remarks made by members of Congress. It is divided into four sections: the House proceedings, the Senate proceedings, the extension of remarks, and the daily digest. The format allows for easy navigation and searchability, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the workings of Congress.

Accessibility and Availability

The Congressional Record is available online through the Government Publishing Office (GPO) website, where users can access current and past editions. In addition to the online version, printed copies are also distributed to libraries and other institutions across the country. This ensures that the information contained in the Congressional Record is widely accessible to all who seek to understand the actions of Congress.

Importance for Democracy

The Congressional Record plays a vital role in upholding the principles of democracy by providing a transparent account of legislative activities. It allows citizens to hold their elected officials accountable, promotes informed decision-making, and fosters an understanding of the nuances of lawmaking. In a democracy, access to accurate and comprehensive information about the workings of government is essential, and the Congressional Record fulfills this need.


Congressional Record Examples

  1. The Congressional Record contains verbatim transcripts of debates and proceedings in Congress.
  2. Researchers often consult the Congressional Record to study legislative history and intent.
  3. Members of Congress frequently reference the Congressional Record during speeches and debates.
  4. The Congressional Record is published daily when Congress is in session.
  5. Citizens can access the Congressional Record online through the Government Publishing Office website.
  6. Lawyers may cite the Congressional Record in legal briefs to support their arguments.
  7. Archivists preserve bound volumes of the Congressional Record for historical purposes.
  8. The Congressional Record includes a section for "Extensions of Remarks" where members can insert additional comments.
  9. Scholars analyze the Congressional Record to track trends in legislative activity over time.
  10. The Congressional Record serves as an official record of the actions taken by Congress.


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  • Updated 19/06/2024 - 15:18:15