The United States Senate has been called into closed session 54 times since 1929. Under the
Standing Rules of the Senate, a closed session may be called by any
senator through a simple
motion. 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. The Senate floor will be cleared of all persons except the senators and listed parliamentary officers, including the Secretary, the
Sergeant at Arms, the
Parliamentarian, and certain clerks. These officers are sworn to secrecy. All sitting senators present are called to the floor, and they must surrender any electronic communications equipment including
mobile phones and
other electronic devices. All business is considered secret, including senatorial remarks, votes, and other parliamentary proceedings. The Senate can vote during the session or later to lift the secrecy, at which time the vote and the session proceedings will be published in the
Congressional Record. If a senator discloses any of the proceedings except as directed by the Senate, the body can vote for
expulsion of the member; any officer that does the same would be subject to dismissal. In extreme cases, the Senate could vote the member or official in
contempt of Congress. ==House of Representatives==