During the 1970s, the U.S. House debated whether to televise its floor proceedings and, if so, how best to do it. Should there be a network pool of cameras, or should they use an House-owned and operated system? With the strong guidance of Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. (D-Mass.), lawmakers opted for the latter. On March 19, 1979, the House went live to the nation. The Senate did not begin broadcasting its sessions until 1986.

Despite overwhelming House support for the innovation, there were some members who remained highly skeptical that it was a good idea. One of those was Rep. Del Clawson (R-Calif.), who filed minority views on one of those final reports by the Rules Committee. Clawson conceded that “the temptations of television are seductive,” but warned that “the risks are many and serious.” Clawson’s main concern, he said, was that instead of “maintaining the dignity of the House, television may encourage circus antics,” and “corrode and cheapen” the democratic process.

It wouldn’t be long before some of Clawson’s concerns played out. One of the longstanding traditions of the House, dating back to 1937, had been to allow members some free time each day to deliver “one-minute speeches” at the outset, and “special order speeches” before adjourning for the day.

Among the dictates handed down by O’Neill from the start was........

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