USApedia

House of Representatives: Difference between revisions

Page Discussion

House of Representatives (view source)

Revision as of 21:38, 9 April 2025

605 bytes added ,  9 April
no edit summary
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
(10 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Organization
|OrganizationName=House of Representatives
|OrganizationType=Executive Departments
|Mission=To represent the interests of the American people, legislate federal laws, and oversee the implementation of those laws. The House serves as one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, focusing on issues that directly affect the populace.
|ParentOrganization=Congress
|TopOrganization=Congress
|CreationLegislation=United States Constitution, Article I, Section 2
|Employees=10000
|Budget=$1.3 billion (Fiscal Year 2021)
|OrganizationExecutive=Speaker of the House
|Services=Legislation; Oversight; Representation; Budget approval
|HeadquartersLocation=38.88981, -77.00902
|HeadquartersAddress=United States Capitol, Washington, DC 20515, United States
|Website=https://www.house.gov/
}}
{{Short description|Lower house of the US Congress}}
{{Short description|Lower house of the US Congress}}


The '''United States House of Representatives''' is the [[lower chamber]] of the [[United States Congress]], with the [[United States Senate|Senate]] being the [[upper chamber]]. Together, they compose the national [[bicameral legislature]] of the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The House Explained |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=house.gov |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231203080240/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20Constitution,%20the,the%20federal%20government's%20legislative%20branch. |archive-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2023 |title=House of Representatives {{!}} Definition, History, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/House-of-Representatives-United-States-government |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Britannica |language=en}}</ref> The House is charged with the passage of federal [[legislation]], known as [[Bill (United States Congress)|bills]]; those that are also passed by the Senate are sent to [[President of the United States|the president]] for signature or [[veto]]. The House's exclusive powers include initiating all revenue bills, [[Impeachment in the United States|impeaching]] federal officers, and [[Contingent election|electing the president]] if no candidate receives a majority of votes in the [[United States Electoral College|Electoral College]].<ref>[[Article One of the United States Constitution#Section 7: Bills|Article 1, Section 7]] of the Constitution</ref><ref>[[Article One of the United States Constitution#Section 2: House of Representatives|Article 1, Section 2]], and in the [[Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution]]</ref>
The '''United States House of Representatives''' is the [[lower chamber]] of the [[United States Congress]], with the [[United States Senate|Senate]] being the [[upper chamber]]. Together, they compose the national [[bicameral legislature]] of the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The House Explained |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=house.gov |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231203080240/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20Constitution,%20the,the%20federal%20government's%20legislative%20branch. |archive-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2023 |title=House of Representatives {{!}} Definition, History, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/House-of-Representatives-United-States-government |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Britannica |language=en}}</ref> The House is charged with the passage of federal [[legislation]], known as [[Bill (United States Congress)|bills]]; those that are also passed by the Senate are sent to [[President of the United States|the president]] for signature or [[veto]]. The House's exclusive powers include initiating all revenue bills, [[Impeachment in the United States|impeaching]] federal officers, and [[Contingent election|electing the president]] if no candidate receives a majority of votes in the [[United States Electoral College|Electoral College]].<ref>[[Article One of the United States Constitution#Section 7: Bills|Article 1, Section 7]] of the Constitution</ref><ref>[[Article One of the United States Constitution#Section 2: House of Representatives|Article 1, Section 2]], and in the [[Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution]]</ref>
Line 25: Line 39:
During the first half of the 19th century, the House was frequently in conflict with the Senate over regionally divisive issues, including [[Slavery in the United States|slavery]]. The [[Northeastern United States|North]] was much more populous than the [[History of the Southern United States|South]], and therefore dominated the House of Representatives. However, the North held no such advantage in the Senate, where the equal representation of states prevailed.
During the first half of the 19th century, the House was frequently in conflict with the Senate over regionally divisive issues, including [[Slavery in the United States|slavery]]. The [[Northeastern United States|North]] was much more populous than the [[History of the Southern United States|South]], and therefore dominated the House of Representatives. However, the North held no such advantage in the Senate, where the equal representation of states prevailed.


Regional conflict was most pronounced over the issue of slavery. One example of a provision repeatedly supported by the House but blocked by the Senate was the [[Wilmot Proviso]], which sought to ban slavery in the land gained during the [[Mexican–American War]]. Conflict over slavery and other issues persisted until the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] (1861–1865), which began soon after several southern states attempted to [[secede]] from the Union. The war culminated in the South's defeat and in the abolition of slavery. All southern senators except [[Andrew Johnson]] resigned their seats at the beginning of the war, and therefore the Senate did not hold the balance of power between North and South during the war.
Regional conflict was most pronounced over the issue of slavery. One example of a provision repeatedly supported by the House but blocked by the Senate was the [[Wilmot Proviso]], which sought to ban slavery in the land gained during the [[Mexican–American War]]. Conflict over slavery and other issues persisted until the Civil War (1861–1865), which began soon after several southern states attempted to [[secede]] from the Union. The war culminated in the South's defeat and in the abolition of slavery. All southern senators except [[Andrew Johnson]] resigned their seats at the beginning of the war, and therefore the Senate did not hold the balance of power between North and South during the war.


The years of [[Reconstruction Era|Reconstruction]] that followed witnessed large majorities for the [[History of the United States Republican Party|Republican Party]], which many Americans associated with the Union's victory in the Civil War and the ending of slavery. The Reconstruction period ended in about 1877; the ensuing era, known as the [[Gilded Age]], was marked by sharp political divisions in the electorate. The [[History of the United States Democratic Party|Democratic Party]] and Republican Party each held majorities in the House at various times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Political Party Timeline: 1836-1864 {{!}} American Experience {{!}} PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/lincolns-timeline/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=www.pbs.org |language=en}}</ref>
The years of [[Reconstruction Era|Reconstruction]] that followed witnessed large majorities for the [[History of the United States Republican Party|Republican Party]], which many Americans associated with the Union's victory in the Civil War and the ending of slavery. The Reconstruction period ended in about 1877; the ensuing era, known as the [[Gilded Age]], was marked by sharp political divisions in the electorate. The [[History of the United States Democratic Party|Democratic Party]] and Republican Party each held majorities in the House at various times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Political Party Timeline: 1836-1864 {{!}} American Experience {{!}} PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/lincolns-timeline/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=www.pbs.org |language=en}}</ref>
Line 36: Line 50:
Gingrich attempted to pass a major legislative program, the [[Contract with America]] and made major reforms of the House, notably reducing the tenure of committee chairs to three two-year terms. Many elements of the Contract did not pass Congress, were vetoed by President [[Bill Clinton]], or were substantially altered in negotiations with Clinton. However, after Republicans held control in the [[1996 United States House of Representatives elections|1996 election]], Clinton and the Gingrich-led House agreed on the first balanced federal budget in decades, along with a substantial tax cut.<ref>Balanced Budget: HR 2015, FY 1998 Budget Reconciliation / Spending; Tax Cut: HR 2014, FY 1998 Budget Reconciliation – Revenue</ref> The Republicans held on to the House until [[2006 United States House of Representatives elections|2006]], when the Democrats won control and [[Nancy Pelosi]] was subsequently elected by the House as the first female speaker. The Republicans retook the House in [[2010 United States House of Representatives elections|2011]], with the largest shift of power since the 1930s.<ref>{{cite web | last=Neuman | first=Scott | url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130983833 | title=Obama, GOP Grapple With power shift | publisher=NPR | date=November 3, 2010 | access-date=July 2, 2011 | archive-date=June 10, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610220957/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130983833 | url-status=live }}</ref> However, the Democrats retook the house in [[2018 United States House of Representatives election|2019]], which became the largest shift of power to the Democrats since the 1970s. In the [[2022 United States House of Representatives election|2022]] elections, Republicans took back control of the House, winning a slim majority.
Gingrich attempted to pass a major legislative program, the [[Contract with America]] and made major reforms of the House, notably reducing the tenure of committee chairs to three two-year terms. Many elements of the Contract did not pass Congress, were vetoed by President [[Bill Clinton]], or were substantially altered in negotiations with Clinton. However, after Republicans held control in the [[1996 United States House of Representatives elections|1996 election]], Clinton and the Gingrich-led House agreed on the first balanced federal budget in decades, along with a substantial tax cut.<ref>Balanced Budget: HR 2015, FY 1998 Budget Reconciliation / Spending; Tax Cut: HR 2014, FY 1998 Budget Reconciliation – Revenue</ref> The Republicans held on to the House until [[2006 United States House of Representatives elections|2006]], when the Democrats won control and [[Nancy Pelosi]] was subsequently elected by the House as the first female speaker. The Republicans retook the House in [[2010 United States House of Representatives elections|2011]], with the largest shift of power since the 1930s.<ref>{{cite web | last=Neuman | first=Scott | url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130983833 | title=Obama, GOP Grapple With power shift | publisher=NPR | date=November 3, 2010 | access-date=July 2, 2011 | archive-date=June 10, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610220957/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130983833 | url-status=live }}</ref> However, the Democrats retook the house in [[2018 United States House of Representatives election|2019]], which became the largest shift of power to the Democrats since the 1970s. In the [[2022 United States House of Representatives election|2022]] elections, Republicans took back control of the House, winning a slim majority.


In November 2024, House Speaker [[Mike Johnson]] announced that the House would have [[women-only spaces]] following the election of [[Sarah McBride]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Republican House Speaker says Capitol bathrooms restricted by 'biological sex' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-capitol-bathrooms-be-restricted-by-biological-sex-houses-johnson-says-2024-11-20/ |access-date=24 November 2024 |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=24 November 2024}}</ref>
In November 2024, House Speaker [[Mike Johnson]] announced that the House would have [[women-only spaces]] following the election of [[Sarah McBride]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Republican House Speaker says Capitol bathrooms restricted by 'biological sex' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-capitol-bathrooms-be-restricted-by-biological-sex-houses-johnson-says-2024-11-20/ |access-date=24 November 2024 |agency=Reuters |date=24 November 2024}}</ref>


==Membership, qualifications, and apportionment==
==Membership, qualifications, and apportionment==
Line 58: Line 72:
Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution sets three qualifications for representatives. Each representative must: (1) be at least twenty-five (25) years old; (2) have been a [[United States nationality law|citizen]] of the United States for the past seven years; and (3) be (at the time of the election) an inhabitant of the state they represent. Members are not required to live in the districts they represent, but they traditionally do.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://law.onecle.com/constitution/article-1/06-qualifications-of-congress.html | title=Qualifications of Members of Congress | publisher=Onecle Inc. | access-date=January 26, 2013 | archive-date=January 23, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123162353/http://law.onecle.com/constitution/article-1/06-qualifications-of-congress.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The age and citizenship qualifications for representatives are less than [[United States Senate#Qualifications|those for senators]]. The constitutional requirements of Article I, Section 2 for election to Congress are the maximum requirements that can be imposed on a candidate.<ref>See [[Powell v. McCormack]], a U.S. Supreme Court case from 1969</ref> Therefore, Article I, Section 5, which permits each House to be the judge of the qualifications of its own members does not permit either House to establish additional qualifications. Likewise a State could not establish additional qualifications. [[William C. C. Claiborne]] served in the House below the minimum age of 25.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Youngest Representative in House History, William Charles Cole Claiborne {{!}} US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives|url=https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1800-1850/The-youngest-Representative-in-House-history,-William-Charles-Cole-Claiborne/|access-date=October 6, 2020|website=history.house.gov|language=en|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003205031/https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1800-1850/The-youngest-Representative-in-House-history,-William-Charles-Cole-Claiborne/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution sets three qualifications for representatives. Each representative must: (1) be at least twenty-five (25) years old; (2) have been a [[United States nationality law|citizen]] of the United States for the past seven years; and (3) be (at the time of the election) an inhabitant of the state they represent. Members are not required to live in the districts they represent, but they traditionally do.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://law.onecle.com/constitution/article-1/06-qualifications-of-congress.html | title=Qualifications of Members of Congress | publisher=Onecle Inc. | access-date=January 26, 2013 | archive-date=January 23, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123162353/http://law.onecle.com/constitution/article-1/06-qualifications-of-congress.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The age and citizenship qualifications for representatives are less than [[United States Senate#Qualifications|those for senators]]. The constitutional requirements of Article I, Section 2 for election to Congress are the maximum requirements that can be imposed on a candidate.<ref>See [[Powell v. McCormack]], a U.S. Supreme Court case from 1969</ref> Therefore, Article I, Section 5, which permits each House to be the judge of the qualifications of its own members does not permit either House to establish additional qualifications. Likewise a State could not establish additional qualifications. [[William C. C. Claiborne]] served in the House below the minimum age of 25.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Youngest Representative in House History, William Charles Cole Claiborne {{!}} US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives|url=https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1800-1850/The-youngest-Representative-in-House-history,-William-Charles-Cole-Claiborne/|access-date=October 6, 2020|website=history.house.gov|language=en|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003205031/https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1800-1850/The-youngest-Representative-in-House-history,-William-Charles-Cole-Claiborne/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Disqualification: under the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourteenth Amendment]], a federal or state officer who takes the requisite oath to support the Constitution, but later engages in rebellion or aids the enemies of the United States, is disqualified from becoming a representative. This post–Civil War provision was intended to prevent those who sided with the [[Confederate States of America|Confederacy]] from serving. However, disqualified individuals may serve if they gain the consent of two-thirds of both houses of Congress.
Disqualification: under the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourteenth Amendment]], a federal or state officer who takes the requisite oath to support the Constitution, but later engages in rebellion or aids the enemies of the United States, is disqualified from becoming a representative. This post–Civil War provision was intended to prevent those who sided with the Confederate States of Americafrom serving. However, disqualified individuals may serve if they gain the consent of two-thirds of both houses of Congress.


===Elections===
===Elections===
Line 95: Line 109:
Representatives use the prefix "[[The Honorable]]" before their names. A member of the House is referred to as a ''representative'', ''congressman'', or ''congresswoman''.
Representatives use the prefix "[[The Honorable]]" before their names. A member of the House is referred to as a ''representative'', ''congressman'', or ''congresswoman''.


Representatives are usually identified in the media and other sources by party and state, and sometimes by congressional district, or a major city or community within their district. For example, [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] representative [[Nancy Pelosi]], who represents [[California's 11th congressional district]] within [[San Francisco]], may be identified as "D–California", "D–California–11" or "D–San Francisco".
Representatives are usually identified in the media and other sources by party and state, and sometimes by congressional district, or a major city or community within their district. For example, Democratic representative [[Nancy Pelosi]], who represents [[California's 11th congressional district]] within San Francisco, may be identified as "D–California", "D–California–11" or "D–San Francisco".


"Member of congress" is occasionally abbreviated as either "MOC" or "MC" (similar to [[Member of parliament|MP]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bowen |first1=Daniel C. |last2=Clark |first2=Christopher J. |date=2014 |title=Revisiting Descriptive Representation in Congress: Assessing the Effect of Race on the Constituent–Legislator Relationship |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24371902 |journal=Political Research Quarterly |volume=67 |issue=3 |pages=695–707 |doi=10.1177/1065912914531658 |jstor=24371902 |s2cid=154400883 |issn=1065-9129}}</ref> However, the abbreviation "Rep." for Representative is more common, as it avoids confusion as to whether they are a member of the House or the [[United States Senate|Senate]].
"Member of congress" is occasionally abbreviated as either "MOC" or "MC" (similar to [[Member of parliament|MP]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bowen |first1=Daniel C. |last2=Clark |first2=Christopher J. |date=2014 |title=Revisiting Descriptive Representation in Congress: Assessing the Effect of Race on the Constituent–Legislator Relationship |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24371902 |journal=Political Research Quarterly |volume=67 |issue=3 |pages=695–707 |doi=10.1177/1065912914531658 |jstor=24371902 |s2cid=154400883 |issn=1065-9129}}</ref> However, the abbreviation "Rep." for Representative is more common, as it avoids confusion as to whether they are a member of the House or the [[United States Senate|Senate]].
Line 143: Line 157:
Each party elects a [[floor leader]], who is known as the [[majority leader]] or [[minority leader]]. The minority leader heads their party in the House, and the majority leader is their party's second-highest-ranking official, behind the speaker. Party leaders decide what legislation members of their party should either support or oppose.
Each party elects a [[floor leader]], who is known as the [[majority leader]] or [[minority leader]]. The minority leader heads their party in the House, and the majority leader is their party's second-highest-ranking official, behind the speaker. Party leaders decide what legislation members of their party should either support or oppose.


Each party also elects a [[whip (politics)|Whip]], who works to ensure that the party's members vote as the party leadership desires. The [[Assistant Party Leaders of the United States House|majority whip]] in the House of Representatives is [[Tom Emmer]], who is a member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]. The [[Assistant Party Leaders of the United States House|minority whip]] is [[Katherine Clark]], who is a member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]. The whip is supported by [[Chief Deputy Whips of the United States House of Representatives|chief deputy whips]]
Each party also elects a [[whip (politics)|Whip]], who works to ensure that the party's members vote as the party leadership desires. The [[Assistant Party Leaders of the United States House|majority whip]] in the House of Representatives is [[Tom Emmer]], who is a member of the Republican Party. The [[Assistant Party Leaders of the United States House|minority whip]] is [[Katherine Clark]], who is a member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]. The whip is supported by [[Chief Deputy Whips of the United States House of Representatives|chief deputy whips]]


After the whips, the next ranking official in the House party's leadership is the [[Party caucuses and conferences in the United States Congress|party conference chair]] (styled as the Republican conference chair and Democratic caucus chair).
After the whips, the next ranking official in the House party's leadership is the [[Party caucuses and conferences in the United States Congress|party conference chair]] (styled as the Republican conference chair and Democratic caucus chair).
Line 168: Line 182:
===Daily procedures===
===Daily procedures===


Like the Senate, the House of Representatives meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. At one end of the chamber of the House is a [[Podium|rostrum]] from which the [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|speaker]], Speaker pro tempore, or (when in Committee of the Whole House) the chair presides.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/Rostrum/ |title=The Rostrum |website=U.S. House of Representatives |publisher=Office of the Historian |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113074034/http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/Rostrum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The lower tiers of the rostrum are used by clerks and other officials. A table in front of the rostrum is used by the official reporters. Members' seats are arranged in the chamber in a semicircular pattern facing the rostrum and are divided by a wide central aisle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-buildings/house-chamber |title=Explore Capitol Hill: House Chamber |website=Architect of the Capitol |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114172619/http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-buildings/house-chamber |url-status=live }}</ref> By tradition, Democrats sit on the left of the center aisle, while Republicans sit on the right, facing the presiding officer's chair.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ritchie |first=Donald A. |date=2006 |title=The Congress of the United States: A Student Companion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WyEGeCwD63AC&pg=PA195 |location=[[New York, New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |edition=3 |page=195 |isbn=978-0-19-530924-9 |access-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194414/https://books.google.com/books?id=WyEGeCwD63AC&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://lowenthal.house.gov/legislation/congress-u.htm |title=Congress U |last1=Lowenthal |first1=Alan |website=U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113074143/http://lowenthal.house.gov/legislation/congress-u.htm |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web|title=What's in the House Chamber|url=http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/House-Floor|access-date=November 21, 2013|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030132018/http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/House-Floor/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sittings are normally held on weekdays; meetings on Saturdays and Sundays are rare. Sittings of the House are generally open to the public; visitors must obtain a House Gallery pass from a congressional office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/access-congress |title=Access to Congress |website=Digital Media Law Project |publisher=Berkman Center for Internet and Society |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113075352/http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/access-congress |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://thedistrict.com/sightseeing/other-washington-d-c-attractions/u-s-house-of-representatives |title=U.S. House of Representatives |website=The District |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113092001/http://thedistrict.com/sightseeing/other-washington-d-c-attractions/u-s-house-of-representatives/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sittings are broadcast live on television and have been streamed live on [[C-SPAN]] since March 19, 1979,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/03/19/cspan-anniversary/6577593 |title=Not everyone is a fan of C-SPAN cameras in Congress |last1=Davis |first1=Susan |date=March 19, 2014 |website=[[USA Today]] |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194346/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/03/19/cspan-anniversary/6577593/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and on ''HouseLive'', the official streaming service operated by the Clerk, since the early 2010s.
Like the Senate, the House of Representatives meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. At one end of the chamber of the House is a [[Podium|rostrum]] from which the [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|speaker]], Speaker pro tempore, or (when in Committee of the Whole House) the chair presides.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/Rostrum/ |title=The Rostrum |website=U.S. House of Representatives |publisher=Office of the Historian |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113074034/http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/Rostrum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The lower tiers of the rostrum are used by clerks and other officials. A table in front of the rostrum is used by the official reporters. Members' seats are arranged in the chamber in a semicircular pattern facing the rostrum and are divided by a wide central aisle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-buildings/house-chamber |title=Explore Capitol Hill: House Chamber |website=Architect of the Capitol |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114172619/http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-buildings/house-chamber |url-status=live }}</ref> By tradition, Democrats sit on the left of the center aisle, while Republicans sit on the right, facing the presiding officer's chair.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ritchie |first=Donald A. |date=2006 |title=The Congress of the United States: A Student Companion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WyEGeCwD63AC&pg=PA195 |location=[[New York, New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |edition=3 |page=195 |isbn=978-0-19-530924-9 |access-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194414/https://books.google.com/books?id=WyEGeCwD63AC&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://lowenthal.house.gov/legislation/congress-u.htm |title=Congress U |last1=Lowenthal |first1=Alan |website=U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113074143/http://lowenthal.house.gov/legislation/congress-u.htm |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web|title=What's in the House Chamber|url=http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/House-Floor|access-date=November 21, 2013|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030132018/http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/House-Chamber/House-Floor/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sittings are normally held on weekdays; meetings on Saturdays and Sundays are rare. Sittings of the House are generally open to the public; visitors must obtain a House Gallery pass from a congressional office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/access-congress |title=Access to Congress |website=Digital Media Law Project |publisher=Berkman Center for Internet and Society |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113075352/http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/access-congress |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://thedistrict.com/sightseeing/other-washington-d-c-attractions/u-s-house-of-representatives |title=U.S. House of Representatives |website=The District |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113092001/http://thedistrict.com/sightseeing/other-washington-d-c-attractions/u-s-house-of-representatives/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sittings are broadcast live on television and have been streamed live on [[C-SPAN]] since March 19, 1979,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/03/19/cspan-anniversary/6577593 |title=Not everyone is a fan of C-SPAN cameras in Congress |last1=Davis |first1=Susan |date=March 19, 2014 |website=USA Today |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194346/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/03/19/cspan-anniversary/6577593/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and on ''HouseLive'', the official streaming service operated by the Clerk, since the early 2010s.


The procedure of the House depends not only on the rules, but also on a variety of customs, precedents, and traditions. In many cases, the House waives some of its stricter rules (including time limits on debates) by [[unanimous consent]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Educational/Read.aspx?ID=7|title=Basic Training: Roadblocks at the Final Legislative Stages|website=House of Representatives|publisher=Republican Committee on Rules|access-date=January 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401073534/http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Educational/Read.aspx?ID=7|archive-date=April 1, 2015}}</ref> A member may block a unanimous consent agreement, but objections are rare. The presiding officer, the [[Speaker (politics)|speaker of the House]] enforces the rules of the House, and may warn members who deviate from them. The speaker uses a [[gavel]] to maintain order.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/01/05/132641490/passing-one-of-many-many-gavels |title=Passing One Of Many, Many Gavels |last1=Larchuk |first1=Travis |date=January 5, 2011 |website=[[NPR]] |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194303/https://www.npr.org/2011/01/05/132641490/passing-one-of-many-many-gavels |url-status=live }}</ref> Legislation to be considered by the House is placed in a box called the hopper.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/2004/2004-019-000/ |title=Bill Hopper |website=U.S. House of Representatives |publisher=Office of the Historian |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208050408/http://history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/2004/2004-019-000/ |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/legfaq.aspx |title=Legislative FAQ: 7. How do Representatives introduce bills? |website=U.S. House of Representatives |publisher=Office of the Clerk |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110011712/http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/legfaq.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
The procedure of the House depends not only on the rules, but also on a variety of customs, precedents, and traditions. In many cases, the House waives some of its stricter rules (including time limits on debates) by [[unanimous consent]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Educational/Read.aspx?ID=7|title=Basic Training: Roadblocks at the Final Legislative Stages|website=House of Representatives|publisher=Republican Committee on Rules|access-date=January 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401073534/http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Educational/Read.aspx?ID=7|archive-date=April 1, 2015}}</ref> A member may block a unanimous consent agreement, but objections are rare. The presiding officer, the [[Speaker (politics)|speaker of the House]] enforces the rules of the House, and may warn members who deviate from them. The speaker uses a [[gavel]] to maintain order.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/01/05/132641490/passing-one-of-many-many-gavels |title=Passing One Of Many, Many Gavels |last1=Larchuk |first1=Travis |date=January 5, 2011 |website=[[NPR]] |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194303/https://www.npr.org/2011/01/05/132641490/passing-one-of-many-many-gavels |url-status=live }}</ref> Legislation to be considered by the House is placed in a box called the hopper.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/2004/2004-019-000/ |title=Bill Hopper |website=U.S. House of Representatives |publisher=Office of the Historian |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208050408/http://history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/2004/2004-019-000/ |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/legfaq.aspx |title=Legislative FAQ: 7. How do Representatives introduce bills? |website=U.S. House of Representatives |publisher=Office of the Clerk |access-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110011712/http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/legfaq.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
Line 203: Line 217:
'''Vacant (3)'''  
'''Vacant (3)'''  
{{legend|#FFFFFF|Vacant (3)}}  
{{legend|#FFFFFF|Vacant (3)}}  
'''[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] (220)'''  
'''Republican Party (220)'''  
{{legend|#FFCCCC|Other Republicans: 14 seats}}
{{legend|#FFCCCC|Other Republicans: 14 seats}}
{{legend|#CC0000|[[Republican Study Committee]]: 162 seats}}
{{legend|#CC0000|[[Republican Study Committee]]: 162 seats}}
Line 272: Line 286:
|-
|-
! style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}}; width: 4px" |
! style="background-color:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}}; width: 4px" |
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| Democratic
| align=center | {{HouseDemocraticTally}}
| align=center | {{HouseDemocraticTally}}
| align=center | 3
| align=center | 3
Retrieved from ‘https://openusaproject.com/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/20925...32287’