Congressional Record

Since 1934, the first session of a Congress convenes on January 3 of odd-numbered years and adjourns on January 3 the following odd-numbered year.

A guide from the United States Senate website. The Congressional Record is a record of the proceedings of Congress. It is published each day that one or both chambers of Congress is in session and is available the day after Congress met.

1st through 18th Congresses (1789-1824)
The Annals of Congress, formally known as The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States, cover the 1st Congress through the first session of the 18th Congress, from 1789 to 1824.

18th through 25th Congresses (1824-1837)
The Register of Debates is a record of the congressional debates of the 18th Congress, 2nd Session through the 25th Congress, 1st Session (1824-37).

23rd through 42nd Congresses (1833-1873)
The Globe, as it is usually called, contains the congressional debates of the 23rd through 42nd Congresses (1833-73).

43rd Congress to present (1873-Now)
The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Printed by the Government Printing Office, it is the fourth and final series of publications containing the debates of Congress.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.