
After the Senate agreed to open its doors to the public in 1795, it continued to conduct all executive business-that dealing with treaties or presidential nominations-in closed session. From 1789 to 1795 the Senate always met in closed sessions. They are informally called "lame duck" members participating in a "lame duck" session.Ĭlosed sessions of the Senate, sometimes referred to as secret sessions, are used to debate confidential information, such as classified material dealing with national security, and for deliberations during impeachment trials. Among the lawmakers who return for this session are those who were defeated for reelection or chose not to run again. Lame Duck Session: A lame duck session occurs when Congress (or either chamber) reconvenes following the November general elections.
#Subscribe to senate session calendar pro#
This is known as a joint meeting.įrom the Latin, meaning “as a matter of form,” a pro forma session is a brief meeting of the Senate, often only a few minutes in duration. On some occasions, the two houses of Congress meet unofficially to hear foreign dignitaries speak or for other purposes.



When the Senate and the House meet together to conduct formal business, to hear an address by the president, or to count electoral ballots, it is known as a joint session. Special Session: When the Senate convenes an extra session, following sine die adjournment, it is known as a special session.Įxtraordinary Session: An extraordinary session occurs when the president exercises his constitutional authority to call Congress back into session during a recess or after a sine die adjournment.
