R. Eric Petersen
Specialist in American National Government
Jennifer E. Manning
Information Research Specialist
Ida A. Brudnick
Analyst on the Congress
Since 1945, the majority in the House of Representatives has switched nine times, most recently in 2007, at the beginning of the 110th Congress. Prior to 2007, the majority last switched in 1995, at the beginning of the 104th Congress, ending a period in which the same party held a majority for 40 years. The majority transition that took place at the beginning of the 84th Congress ended a period in which the majority switched between the Republican and Democratic parties in four out of five Congresses between 1947 and 1955.
During the period between the November elections and when the new Congress convenes in early January, a new incoming majority lacks official institutional authority to implement any changes beyond procedures governing the activities of its conference or caucus. Matters relating to chamber rules, House officers, staff, office space, administrative practices of the outgoing majority, or matters pending floor consideration remain under the direction of the outgoing majority. Although there can be some discussion between leaders of the outgoing and incoming majorities, the outgoing majority is not bound to change current practices or to accommodate the preferences of the incoming majority until the current Congress adjourns and the new Congress convenes.
Although a new incoming majority may lack formal authority to undertake administration of the House prior to the formal convening of the chamber, it appears that many decisions related to a transition may need to be made prior to the formal assumption of majority status. This report provides discussion and analysis of some of the immediate areas that a new incoming majority would likely consider as it prepares to assume responsibility for the administration of the House. These issues include (1) amendment and adoption of House Rules; (2) election of House officers; (3) administration of committee organization and funding; (4) establishment of House-wide staffing levels; and (5) establishment of the Members’ Representational Allowance. While not official until the convening of the new Congress, these issues are based on various party, legislative, and administrative decisions that may be taken by the incoming majority. These decisions may be made at various times, from the first meetings on early organization of the chamber soon after the general election, through the first several weeks of a new Congress.
Date of Report: November 3, 2010
Number of Pages: 14
Order Number: RL33724
Price: $29.95
Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports
Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.
Specialist in American National Government
Jennifer E. Manning
Information Research Specialist
Ida A. Brudnick
Analyst on the Congress
Since 1945, the majority in the House of Representatives has switched nine times, most recently in 2007, at the beginning of the 110th Congress. Prior to 2007, the majority last switched in 1995, at the beginning of the 104th Congress, ending a period in which the same party held a majority for 40 years. The majority transition that took place at the beginning of the 84th Congress ended a period in which the majority switched between the Republican and Democratic parties in four out of five Congresses between 1947 and 1955.
During the period between the November elections and when the new Congress convenes in early January, a new incoming majority lacks official institutional authority to implement any changes beyond procedures governing the activities of its conference or caucus. Matters relating to chamber rules, House officers, staff, office space, administrative practices of the outgoing majority, or matters pending floor consideration remain under the direction of the outgoing majority. Although there can be some discussion between leaders of the outgoing and incoming majorities, the outgoing majority is not bound to change current practices or to accommodate the preferences of the incoming majority until the current Congress adjourns and the new Congress convenes.
Although a new incoming majority may lack formal authority to undertake administration of the House prior to the formal convening of the chamber, it appears that many decisions related to a transition may need to be made prior to the formal assumption of majority status. This report provides discussion and analysis of some of the immediate areas that a new incoming majority would likely consider as it prepares to assume responsibility for the administration of the House. These issues include (1) amendment and adoption of House Rules; (2) election of House officers; (3) administration of committee organization and funding; (4) establishment of House-wide staffing levels; and (5) establishment of the Members’ Representational Allowance. While not official until the convening of the new Congress, these issues are based on various party, legislative, and administrative decisions that may be taken by the incoming majority. These decisions may be made at various times, from the first meetings on early organization of the chamber soon after the general election, through the first several weeks of a new Congress.
Date of Report: November 3, 2010
Number of Pages: 14
Order Number: RL33724
Price: $29.95
Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports
Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.
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