Seal, United States Senate

UNITED STATES SENATE SEAL -  The Seal of the United States Senate is the seal officially adopted by the United States Senate to authenticate certain official documents.  Its design also sometimes serves as a sign and symbol of the Senate, appearing on its official flag among other places.  The current version dates from 1886, and is the third seal design used by the Senate since its inception in 1789.  The use of the seal is restricted by federal law and other regulations, and so is used sparingly, to the point that there are alternate, non-official seal designs more commonly seen in public.

The seal has a shield with thirteen stars on top and thirteen vertical stripes on the bottom,  with a scroll inscribed with "E Pluribus Unum"  floating across the top (Latin: "Out of many, One").   An olive branch, symbolizing peace, graces the left side of the shield, while an oak branch, symbolizing strength, is on the right.   A red liberty cap above the shield and crossed fasces below the shield represent freedom and authority, respectively.   Blue beams of light emanate from the shield. Surrounding the seal is the legend "United States Senate".   Several of the elements are derived from the Great Seal of the United States.