Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, once said of Congress, “Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work.”

Question

Please answer the following questions about the quote:
What does Woodrow Wilson mean by "Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition"?
What does Woodrow Wilson mean when he says "Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work"?
What does this quote tell you about Woodrow Wilson's opinion of Congressional Committees?

Answer 1

When Congress is in session, the press reports every thing said and decided. The work of committees is reported only after decisions are reached. It appears that Wilson believed the true work of Congress was done in committees.