Congressional Digest was founded in 1921 by suffragette Alice Gram Robinson[1] with the goal of presenting, in her words, “an impartial view of controversial issues.” Each issue focuses on one specific topic before Congress and includes primary source research material without editorial bias in a PRO & CON format.

A major source of inspiration for the publication’s format was the 1920 ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

Robinson believed that the best way to prevent newly franchised voters from being unduly swayed or intimidated by the actions or rhetoric of Congress was to provide them with side-by-side arguments on pending legislation.

The publication has stayed true to its original concept, presenting excerpted verbatim statements from current congressional debates in a pro-and-con format, along with digested government material to put the controversy in historical and legislative context.

The publications’ subscribers include high school and university libraries, debate organizations, and other groups and individuals interested in current events.