Donnald K. Anderson
From House Page to Clerk of the House, Donn Anderson’s 35-year career included a series of administrative and managerial positions which brought him in close contact with Members of Congress, momentous debates, and important changes to the daily customs of the House.
Featured Video
Running the Democratic Cloakroom
Abstract & Transcript
Elected Clerk under Speakers Jim Wright of Texas and Thomas Foley of Washington, Donnald Anderson began his 35 years of House service as a Page. Even before he was Clerk, Anderson’s duties—running errands, operating elevators in the Capitol, enrolling bills, and serving Members in the Democratic Cloakroom—kept him close to the House Floor. In this series of interviews, Anderson shared illuminating anecdotes about personalities like Sam Rayburn of Texas, Hale Boggs of Louisana, and Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill of Massachusetts and described in detail the old Capitol Hill neighborhood, particularly the Page boarding houses. His recollections of the advent of electronic voting, the shift away from patronage employment, and the integration of women Members illustrate how technological, procedural, and social developments have transformed the institution of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Biography
As Clerk, Anderson managed an office that controlled legislative, administrative, and financial operations for the House. His staff of more than 600 was responsible for House Floor operations, finance and procurement, information technology, and televised House proceedings, among other areas. One of Anderson’s main achievements in his eight years as Clerk was the creation of two House offices: Employee Assistance and Fair Employment Practices.
Anderson retired from the House in January 1995. A resident of Capitol Hill, he is a member emeritus of the House Page Board and an active board member of several charitable and educational organizations. He was invested by Pope John Paul II in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Catholic group for laypeople and clergy and the only order of knighthood of the Holy See. Donnald Anderson died on July 30, 2020 in Sacramento, California.
Video
Congresswoman Helen Meyner of New Jersey
Electronic Voting
Running the Democratic Cloakroom
Audio
Memories of Speaker Sam Rayburn of Texas
![]() |
Memories of Speaker Sam Rayburn of Texas
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
Technology in the House
![]() |
Technology in the House
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
The Democratic Cloakroom
![]() |
The Democratic Cloakroom
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
Whip Call
![]() |
Whip Call
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
Role in History
![]() |
Role in History
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
Upheaval of the Seniority System
![]() |
Upheaval of the Seniority System
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
Elevator Operator
![]() |
Elevator Operator
Donnald K. Anderson, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
|
Images & Artifacts
![<em>Clerk of the House</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31912.jpeg?sz=190)
![<em>Clerk of the House Donnald Anderson</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31911.jpeg?sz=190)
![<em>Donnald Anderson as a Capitol Elevator Operator</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31910.jpeg?sz=190)
![<em>Donnald Anderson on an Opening Day of Congress</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31914.jpeg?sz=190)
![<em>Donnald Anderson and Representative Lindy Boggs</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31901.jpeg?sz=190)
![<em>Donnald Anderson at the Bicentennial of the Great Compromise, 1987</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31909.jpeg?sz=190)
![<em>House Page Acceptance Letter, 1960</em>](https://webharvest.gov/congress116th/20201124072832im_/https://historycms2.house.gov/assets/31913.jpeg?sz=190)