Legal Definitions - congressional intent

The Congressional Record is the official, daily publication that chronicles the proceedings and debates of the U.S. Congress. It serves as a comprehensive account of what transpired on the floor of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, including speeches, votes, and other legislative actions. While it aims to document the legislative process, members of Congress are permitted to edit their remarks before publication and, with permission, insert material that was not actually spoken during the session. This means it's a record of what Congress wants to be recorded, rather than a strictly verbatim transcript of every word uttered.

• Example 1: A Historian's Research
  A historian is researching the legislative debates surrounding the passage of a landmark civil rights bill in the 1960s. To understand the arguments made by various senators and representatives, the specific amendments proposed, and how members voted, the historian consults the Congressional Record from that period.
  This illustrates the term because the historian is using the official daily record of congressional proceedings to reconstruct the legislative history and intent behind a significant law.
• Example 2: A Journalist Verifying a Statement
  A journalist is reporting on a current debate about a new environmental protection bill. A senator claims to have made a specific argument against a particular amendment during a floor debate. To verify the senator's claim and quote the exact language used, the journalist reviews the latest edition of the Congressional Record.
  This demonstrates the term's application as the journalist is relying on the official published account of congressional discussions to confirm facts and accurately report on legislative activities.
• Example 3: A Public Interest Group Tracking Legislation
  A non-profit organization advocating for healthcare reform wants to monitor the progress of a proposed bill. They regularly check the Congressional Record to see which members spoke on the bill, what points they emphasized, and how various amendments were introduced and voted upon. They also look for any "extended remarks" inserted by members to understand their full positions.
  This example shows the term in use as the organization utilizes the official record to track the legislative journey of a bill, understand the arguments presented, and identify key moments in its deliberation within Congress.