Orrin Hatch: “I wish to call the attention of my colleagues to the 227th anniversary of Congress' first quorum, which the House of…”

“I wish to call the attention of my colleagues to the 227th anniversary of Congress' first quorum, which the House of Representatives achieved on April 1, 1789, and which the Senate achieved 5 days later. In the first week of April, the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress remembers these milestones by observing Congress Week--an annual celebration which includes commemorative events at member institutions across the country. The Association of Centers for the Study of Congress is composed of more than 40 universities that work to preserve the historical collections of Members of Congress. The organization's goal is to promote public understanding of the House and the Senate by focusing on the history of Congress and its role in our constitutional system of government. Having served as a member of this body for nearly four decades, I understand well the importance of keeping good records, which is why I am sincerely grateful for the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress and its efforts to help us in this endeavor. While Presidents have Presidential libraries maintained by the National Archives, we--the Members of Congress--are responsible for preserving our own personal documents. Only by archiving these records will historians, students, and teachers be able to appreciate the vital role that Congress has played in our national history. As President Pro Tempore, I am committed to upholding the reputation and dignity of this institution.…”