Article I, section 5 of the U.S. Constitution requires that the House keep a Journal of its proceedings, which is a summary of the day’s actions. The Speaker is responsible for examining and approving the Journal of the previous day. The Speaker announces approval to the House immediately after the prayer is offered by the Chaplain. Following the announcement of approval by the Speaker, any Member may demand a vote on the question of the Speaker’s approval. However, the Speaker has the authority to postpone a vote on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until a later time on the same legislative day.
NOTE: The Journal is not the Congressional Record.