The spelling of the phrase "congressional record" is quite straightforward, with each word being spelled phonetically. "Congressional" is phonetically spelled as /kənˈɡrɛʃən(ə)l/, where the stress is on the second syllable. "Record" is phonetically spelled as /ˈrɛkɔrd/, where the stress is on the first syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /kənˈɡrɛʃən(ə)l ˈrɛkɔrd/. The Congressional Record is a record of the proceedings and debates that occur in both chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The term "congressional record" refers to a comprehensive collection of official documents that record the proceedings, debates, and actions taken in both chambers of the United States Congress. It serves as a historical and legal record of the legislative activities conducted within the halls of Congress.
The congressional record includes transcripts of floor debates, speeches, committee reports, voting records, and other materials related to the legislative process. It is published daily when Congress is in session and is available to the public, scholars, policymakers, and journalists for reference and research purposes.
This primary source document is an essential tool for understanding the development, passage, and impact of legislation, as well as the discussions and deliberations that shape public policy. It allows individuals to access firsthand accounts of congressional debates, witness the arguments made by lawmakers, and follow the legislative history of specific bills.
The congressional record preserves the democratic principles of transparency and accountability, ensuring that the actions and statements made by elected representatives are documented and made available for scrutiny. It provides insights into the intentions and positions of lawmakers, allowing the citizens to hold them accountable for their decisions and actions. Additionally, the congressional record is often cited by legal professionals and authorities as a reliable and authoritative source of legislative information.
The word "congressional record" has its roots in the Latin language. "Congressional" is derived from the Latin word "congressus", which is the past participle of "congredi". "Congredi" is a verb that means "to come together, to assemble". It is composed of "con-" (meaning "with" or "together") and "gradi" (meaning "to go, to walk"). Therefore, "congressus" can be translated as "having come together".
The word "record" comes from the Latin noun "recordari", which means "to remember, to recollect". It is composed of "re-" (meaning "again") and "cor" (meaning "heart"). Thus, "recordari" can be interpreted as "to go back in the heart" or "to call back to the heart".