Closed session of the United States Congress

Once the motion is seconded, the presiding officer of the Senate directs the Capitol Police to clear the public galleries of spectators and close all doors of the chamber.

All business is considered secret, including senatorial remarks, votes, and other parliamentary proceedings.

In extreme cases, the Senate could vote the member or official in contempt of Congress.

The United States House of Representatives has met in closed session six times since 1825.

The most recent closed session was held on 13 March 2008 to discuss classified details of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Program during debate on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008.