National Affairs: Words, Words, Words

" 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."—The United States Constitution, Art. 1, Section 5.

The above provision of the Constitution cost the people more than $300,000 during the 75 legislative days of the last session of Congress. Not only is there nowadays very little secrecy about the actions and speeches taking place on the floors of the two Houses, but large " extensions" of speeches, never delivered, are printed "by permission" in the...

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