New Congress
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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.
Opening Day of the 81st Congress
Childhood memories of an opening day of Congress.
Cokie Roberts, Congressional Correspondent and Daughter of Hale and Lindy Boggs of Louisiana
Transcript (PDF)
Opening Day Traditions of a New Congress
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
Transcript (PDF)
Science Subcommittee Assignments
Detailed description of the mechanics of subcommittee assignments at the beginning of a new Congress.
Patricia (Tish) Speed Schwartz, Chief Clerk/Administrator, House Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript (PDF)
The First Few Weeks
Detailed overview of the administrative tasks of committees at the start of a new Congress.
Patricia (Tish) Speed Schwartz, Chief Clerk/Administrator, House Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript (PDF)