Executive Journal

The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday comes from Article I.5.3: “Any matter may be excluded from the journal which, in the judgment of that house, is sufficiently sensitive that it should be kept secret.” Each house has the right to keep sensitive material out of the public record if the majority of that house feels it needs to be concealed.

Even though Americans want to know the public business, the Congress or the committee can meet for a confidential discussion behind closed doors in an “Executive Session.” The publication containing this secret, classified information is known as The Executive Journal of the Senate. The information contained within this journal cannot be released to the public until the Senate gives authorization.