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Rumors! Tall Tales About Senate Art
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Millions of people come to the Senate each year to learn about the institution through its art and historical collections. However, sometimes misinformation obscures the true story of the Senate. "Rumors!" is a sampling of the more unusual stories that have been heard.
This Week in Senate History
Photo of Winston Churchill
December 26, 1941

Less than three weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Congress conducted a dramatic joint meeting in the Senate chamber to hear an address by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Although joint meetings are customarily held in the House chamber, congressional leaders, recognizing that many members were out of town for the Christmas holidays, chose the smaller Senate chamber for its better acoustics.

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2011 Session Schedule
Scheduled Hearings
Active Legislation
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Floor Schedule

Wednesday, Jan 05, 2011

12:00 p.m.: Convene the first session of the 112th Congress.


Previous Meeting

Wednesday, Dec 22, 2010

The Senate convened at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned sine die at 8:03 p.m. Two record votes were taken.


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Executive Calendar(latest issue, PDF format)

What Happens When a New Congress Begins?

The U.S. Senate relies heavily on tradition and precedent, and the first day of a new Congress is no exception.

Opening the 2nd Session of [t]he Thirty Second CongressThe United States Senate in Session in Their New Chamber.The Opening of Congress


When a new Congress convenes in the beginning of January, all the legislation of the past two years has expired (with the exception of treaties), and a new legislative year has begun.


The proceedings of this first day follow a well established, but flexible routine including the swearing in of newly elected and reelected members and the election of the president pro tempore. The Senate may choose to address other administrative issues, or begin with legislative business. The Senate does not have to reorganize itself each new Congress.


Article 1, section 3 of the Constitution provides a system of staggered six-year terms for senators. At the conclusion of each two-year congress, the terms of one third of the 100 senators expire. As a consequence, the Senate is a continuing body, which allows the Senate to make any changes in its leadership, or to change committee assignments prior to opening day.


To learn more about the opening day of a new Congress or Senate traditions, visit the Web pages, Frequently Asked Questions about a New Congress, Guide to Senate Traditions, or Learn about the Senate.


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