The First Day of A New Congress

In just over three months a new Congress (the 112th) will come into existence (in the UK the new Parliament mets a few days after it is elected. In 2010 the election was held on 6th May; the first day of meeting was 18th May - and this was regarded as a long interval!).

The Constitution (as amended states that "The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day." Art I Section 4.2)
In the House of Representatives there are certain things which must be done. The main stages of the day's events in the chamber include

1.The Clerk of 110th Congress calls the House to order
2.The Chaplain of the House offers a prayer
3.Members repeat the pledge of allegiance
4.A Roll Call vote is taken - to establish that a quorum exists. Members vote electronically
5.Certain announcements are made - about delegates; and deaths or resignations of former Members
6.The Speaker is elected - both parties nominate for this (and other posts), but the majority party - the Democrats in 111th Congress - win the viva voce roll call vote. [A 'viva voce' vote involves each member stating his vote after his or her name is read out]
7.The newly elected Speaker is sworn in
8.The Oath of Office is taken collectively by all Members in the Chamber. In the afternoon individual oath taking is repeated for the benefit of photographers.
9.Each party announces its leaders
10.Officers of the House are elected (usually each party has agreed its own list, but the majority party prevails)
11.Resolutions regarding messages between the twn Houses; and also with the Presidency, are passed
12.Rules of Procedure are adopted

For a fuller account of first day activities - read Mildred Amer's excellent CRS (Congressional Research Service) report " The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor"



You may wish to skip from 08-35 to 41-55 (Quorum Call) and 51-35 to 02-00-30 (Election of Speaker)

How many members are there in the House of Representatives?

Public Law 62-5 passed in 1911 limits the membership of the House to 435. Yet more than that number participate in the activities (in committee and on the floor)of the House. There are a number of "delegates" from places like the District of Columbia; the US Virgin Islands; and American Somoa. Puerto Rico is represented by a "Resident Commissioner". These may not vote in the whole House, but can vote in their committees.

The long running campaign for DC to have a representative rather a delegate has hit another road block last week - when the legislation was pulled from the floor. Experts argue that even if such legislation passes both Houses and is signed by the President, the Supreme Court will strike it down as unconstitutional.

CRS has published a short paper on the rights of the "non-members" at

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40170_20090128.pdf