United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
Search the website
Institution

New Congress

Swearing in of the 82nd Congress/tiles/non-collection/o/oh_inst_newcong_82nd_lc.xml Image courtesy of the Library of Congress Members of the House raise their hands to be sworn into the 82nd Congress (1951–1953).
The beginning of a new Congress is rooted in precedent, tradition, and fanfare. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how the House re-creates itself every two years. From the swearing-in of Members to the organization of committees, these oral histories provide a fresh look at the pageantry, ritual, and hard work behind convening a new Congress.

Video

Opening Day of the 81st Congress

Download

Childhood memories of an opening day of Congress.

Cokie Roberts, Congressional Correspondent and Daughter of Hale and Lindy Boggs of Louisiana
Interview recorded June 23, 2009 – Deed of Gift

Opening Day Traditions of a New Congress

Download

Institutional role of the House Radio-TV Gallery in broadcasting the Opening Day of a new Congress.

Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
Interview recorded December 4, 2009 – Deed of Gift

Audio

The First Few Weeks

Download

Detailed overview of the administrative tasks of committees at the start of a new Congress.

Patricia Schwartz, Chief Clerk/Administrator, House Committee on the Judiciary
Interview recorded April 19, 2007 – Deed of Gift
Transcript (PDF)

Meet and Organize

Download

Explanation of the committee organizational meetings at the start of a new Congress.

Patricia Schwartz, Chief Clerk/Administrator, House Committee on the Judiciary
Interview recorded April 19, 2007 – Deed of Gift
Transcript (PDF)
Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov