Talk:Traditions of the United States Senate

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Untitled[edit]

The original text for this article is based on the US Senate website on this topic: [1]. technopilgrim 02:04, 10 November 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Jefferson Bible[edit]

Anybody know or have a source for this info? Doesn't appear in the Senate info page. I would be interested to see when the Senate finally decided they were offended by the Jefferson bible. Sdedeo 14:12, 10 November 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Senate Gavel[edit]

During what period was the original (wooden) gavel used? Am I to understand that the the Indian VP gave us one, which broke soon afterward and was replaced by the Indian Senate? If so, what years? Which one cracked in 1954?

The article and the info on the Senate website do not seem to match.

There was never a wooden gavel. The original was made of ivory, and presumed in use in 1789. The replacement given to the Senate by Indian in 1954 was also made of ivory. The original broke in 1954, requiring the replacement.

Other traditions to include[edit]

  • Desk signatures - senators sign their names in their desks
  • Candy Desk - desk on the Republican side always filled with candy. Formerly occupied by Rick Santorum
  • Snuff Boxes - there are two small, ornate snuff boxes on either side of the Senate rostrum. They used to hold snuff for use by senators in the mid-1800s. No longer used today.
  • Spitoons - there are several brass spitoons on the senate floor. They were used in the past, but no longer.
  • Vice presidential busts - there are marble busts of all Vice Presidents since John Adams. Several are in the Senate chamber itself, and others are located throughout the Senate wing. Dan Quayle is the most recent bust completed.

Senate Vice Presidential Bust Collection

Cheers.Dcmacnut 22:54, 19 February 2007 (UTC)[reply]