Skip to Main Content
Western Libraries

Government Information: Congressional Record

What is the Congressional Record?

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session and includes the full records of floor proceedings of the House and Senate.  The Congressional Record began publication in 1873, but earlier titles include Annals of Congress (1789-1824), Register of Debates (1824-1837), and Congressional Globe (1833-1873).

The Congressional Record currently includes four sections: 

  • Proceedings of the House - page numbers are preceded by an "H".
  • Proceedings of the Senate - page numbers are preceded by a "S"
  • Extension of remarks - page numbers are preceded by an "E".  This section includes a variety of texts not presented on the floor but which Members would like added to the record.  These can include newspaper articles, speeches, excerpts from books, songs, etc.
  • Daily Digest - page numbers are preceded by a "D".  This summary section has been included since 1947.  The Daily Digest recounts the day's activities, including how many bills were introduced, any floor actions, a summary of committee meetings, and a schedule of committee meetings for the following day.

WWU Library Holdings

1810-11 (11th Congress) Annals of Congress.  Haggard 2.  Government Information Reference X: 11/3 810-811

1850-72 (31st-42nd Congresses) Congressional Globe.  Haggard 2. Government Information Reference X:

1871-72 (42nd Congress) Index to the Congressional Globe.  Haggard 2. Government Information Reference X:

1800-1945, 1952-1976 (51st-79th, 82nd-94th Congresses) Congressional Record, Permanent edition.  Haggard 2. Government Information Reference X:

1995-present (104th-present Congresses) Congressional Record, Daily edition.  Haggard 2. Government Information Reference X:

1889-1975, 1981-present (51st-94th, 97th-present Congresses) Congressional Record Index ONLY  Haggard 2. Government Information Reference X: