1、Order Code RS20145Updated March 27, 2008Secret Sessions of Congress: A Brief Historical OverviewMildred AmerSpecialist in American National GovernmentGovernment and Finance DivisionSummary“Secret” or “closed door” sessions of the House of Representatives and Senate areheld periodically to discuss bu
2、siness, including impeachment deliberations, deemed torequire confidentiality and secrecy. Authority for the two chambers to hold thesesessions appears in Article I, Section 5, of the Constitution. Both the House and theSenate have supplemented this clause through rules and precedents.Although secre
3、t sessions were common in Congresss early years, they were lessfrequent through the 20th century. National security is the principal reason for suchsessions in recent years. Members and staff who attend these meetings are prohibitedfrom divulging information. Violations are punishable pursuant to ea
4、ch chambersdisciplinary rules. Members may be expelled and staff dismissed for violations of therules of secrecy. Transcripts from secret sessions are not published unless the relevantchamber votes to release them during the session or at a later time. The portions releasedthen may be printed in the
