As a reporter of debates on the Senate floor, Frank Attig observed the oratorical styles and idiosyncrasies of senators from the 1950s to the 1970s. His was an unusual view of the Senate, literally from the center of floor activities. He was responsible to every senator for the accuracy of their recorded remarks, and to the traditions of the Senate for observing decorum and proper language in the written record (even if forgotten in the spoken debate). Throughout each session until 1974, Attig was present, observing, listening, and recording the proceedings for history.
Scholarly citation: "Francis J. Attig, Official Reporter of Debates," Oral History Interviews, April 5, 1978, Senate Historical Office, Washington, D.C.
Disclaimer: The Senate Historical Office has a strong commitment to oral history as an important part of its efforts to document institutional change over time. Oral histories are a natural component to historical research and enhance the archival holdings of the Senate and its members. Oral histories represent the personal recollections and opinions of the interviewees, however, and should not be considered as the official views or opinions of the U.S. Senate, of the Senate Historical Office, or of other senators and/or staff members. The transcripts of these oral histories are made available by the Senate Historical Office as a public service.
