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Around the world Quote by Garrett M. Graff

“One informed theory holds that the secret procedures have a specific, defined role for a small, preselected set of congressional leaders—perhaps as small as the four party leaders of the two houses—who would serve as a “rump” or “skeleton” Congress until a full group could be established months…” quote by Garrett M. Graff
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““One informed theory holds that the secret procedures have a specific, defined role for a small, preselected set of congressional leaders—perhaps as small as the four party leaders of the two houses—who would serve as a “rump” or “skeleton” Congress until a full group could be established months later and would, in the absence of the larger body, serve to approve or disapprove legislation and executive actions. Such a body would mirror the “Gang of Eight” who are kept regularly informed by the president about covert military and intelligence actions conducted around the world. Whereas Congress in general is supposed to be kept informed of U.S. military and intelligence matters, the president could choose in “extraordinary circumstances affecting vital interests” to tell only this smaller group—the four party leaders and the chairs and ranking minority members of the House and Senate intelligence committees—about particularly””

Garrett M. Graff

About This Quote

Source Article: The Secret Procedures, The Washington Post, 2023

A small, pre‑selected group of congressional leaders could be used as a provisional “skeleton” Congress to approve legislation and actions when the full body is unavailable, mirroring the “Gang of Eight” for covert matters.

In simple terms: A tiny elite could run Congress temporarily in emergencies.

Key Takeaway

Consider the risks of concentrating power.

Themes

politics governance emergency powers transparency

Mood

cautious critical

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

  • national security crises
  • legislative deadlock
  • presidential emergencies
  • intelligence oversight

Key Concepts

constitutional law executive‑legislative relations secret governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who should have the authority to limit congressional power?
  • How can oversight be ensured in secretive processes?
A Different Perspective

Such a system may undermine democratic accountability and public trust.

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