Number: RS20145
Title: Secret Sessions of Congress: A Brief Historical Overview
Authors: Mildred Amer, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: "Secret" or "closed door" sessions of the House of Representatives and Senate are held periodically to discuss business, including impeachment deliberations, deemed to require confidentiality and secrecy. Authority for the two chambers to hold these sessions is implied by Article I, section 5, of the Constitution. Both the House and the Senate have supplemented this clause through rules and precedents.
Pages: 6
Date: March 27, 2008