Definition

1. Noun:
   • A published written account of the speeches, debates, and votes of the United States Congress: The Congressional Record is the official, substantially verbatim record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The senator's full remarks are printed in the Congressional Record.
  • Researchers often consult the Congressional Record to understand the legislative history of a law.
  • You can find the roll call vote for the bill in yesterday's Congressional Record.

Advanced Usage

• "To be entered into the Congressional Record": A formal phrase meaning a speech, document, or statement is included in the official published record.
  • The letter from the constituents was entered into the Congressional Record by the representative.

Variants and Related Words

• Record (n): An account of events, facts, or proceedings. The Congressional Record is a specific type of official record.
• Proceedings (n): The official record of the activities of a meeting or assembly. The Congressional Record documents congressional proceedings.

Synonyms

• Official proceedings: The formal, authoritative record of a deliberative body's meetings.
• Hansard (n): While this is the specific name for the official record of the UK Parliament, it serves a similar function and is a conceptual synonym in a comparative governmental context.

Related Phrases

• Extension of remarks: A section in the Congressional Record where members can insert material (like speeches, articles) that were not actually delivered on the floor.
  • The congresswoman submitted a detailed report as an extension of remarks in the Congressional Record.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "Congressional Record" is a proper noun referring specifically to the publication of the U.S. Congress. It is not used generically for the records of other legislative bodies.
• It differs from a simple transcript, as members are allowed to revise and extend their remarks before publication, though the debates are reported substantially verbatim.

Noun

1. a published written account of the speeches and debates and votes of the United States Congress