On a sunny Tuesday morning 25 years ago, Congress reconvened. Speaker Dennis Hastert called the House of Representatives to order, and the Illinois Republican recognized Rep. Earl Blumenauer. The bowtie-wearing Democrat from Oregon began delivering a speech criticizing the marketing of tobacco. He was the first of three members queued to give speeches.

Only a handful of representatives were in the chamber, recalled Eve Butler-Gee, who was the chamber’s chief journal clerk. Most lawmakers were in their personal offices preparing for a full day of votes, hearings, and meetings, beginning at 10 a.m.