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Discover the rich heritage of “the People's House” and its central role in U.S. history since 1789. Explore its unique story and the men and women who have shaped it. Browse its collections. Access historical data and other research resources.

Whereas: Stories from the People’s House

February 10, 2026

The Privileges of the Floor for America’s Oldest Revolutionary War Veteran

On February 10, 1870, at the conclusion of the morning’s debate in the House, Representative Nathaniel Prentice Banks of Massachusetts, a former Speaker and an officer in the United States Army, stood to “ask the general consent of the House that the privileges of the floor for this day may be accorded to Mr. John Kitts, the gentleman who stands by my side.” Kitts was one of America’s last living veterans of the Revolutionary War.

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"Making Their Voices Heard"

The Honorable John R. Lewis, U.S. Representative of Georgia

Oral History

"Making Their Voices Heard"

The Honorable John R. Lewis describes the potential for popular protest to shape decisions on Capitol Hill.

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About The Offices

This site is a collaborative project between the Office of the Historian and theClerk of the House's Office of Art and Archives. The offices preserve, collect, and interpret the heritage of the U.S. House, serving as the institution’s memory and a resource for Members, staff, and the general public.

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