[20030717]98-718GOV_参众两院秘密会议.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-718 GOVJuly 17, 2003Secret Sessions of the House and SenateMildred AmerSpecialist in American GovernmentGovernment and Finance Division“Secret,” or “closed,” sessions of the House and Senate exclude the press and thepublic. These sessions are used for Senate deliberations during impeachment trials aswell as to discuss issues of national security, confidential information, and sensitivecommunications received from the President. During a secret session, the doors of thechamberareclosed,andthechamberanditsgalleriesareclearedofallindividualsexceptMembers and those officers and employees specified in the rules or essential to thesession. Secret sessions occur infrequently, but any Member of Congress may requestone. This fact sheet is one of aseries onthelegislativeprocess. Formoreinformation onthelegislativeprocess,pleaseseehttp:/www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome/shtml.Authority in the Constitution and RulesAuthority for the House and Senate to hold secret sessions is implied by Article I,section 5, of the Constitution which says: “Each House shall keep a journal o