The U.S. House of Representatives is the only branch of federal government elected directly by the citizens of the United States since its founding in 1789. Use searchable profiles and historic lists to discover more about the more than 11,000 individuals elected to the House—as well as information on the officials who have served the institution.
Use the multi-faceted search to learn more about the individuals of “the People’s House.” Search filters allow you to navigate through biographical, bibliographical, and research collection information by date or Congress ranges.
Use a dynamic map to learn more about the House of Representatives. Users can sort by Congress, Leadership, or through the Minorities in Congress series.
Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution states:“The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers.” When Congress first convened in 1789, the House chose Frederick A.C. Muhlenberg as the first individual to serve as Speaker.
Defined by tradition since the late 19th century, the Majority Leader is charged with scheduling legislation for floor consideration and planning the daily, weekly, and annual legislative agendas.
The floor leader for the "loyal opposition," the Minority Leader serves as the counterpart to the Speaker of the House. He or she speaks for the minority party’s policies and protects its rights.
The Democratic Whip assists his or her party’s leadership with managing its legislative program on the House floor.
The Republican Whip assists his or her party’s leadership with managing its legislative program on the House floor.
The House Democratic Caucus Chairman presides over his or her party’s meetings, which are attended by all Members of the Democratic Party and serve as the forum to elect party leaders at the outset of each new Congress.
The House Republican Conference Chairman presides over his or her party’s meetings, which are attended by all Members of the Republican Party and serve as the forum to elect party leaders at the outset of each new Congress.
Since 1789, 41 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives received at least one Electoral College vote for President.
.jpg%3fn%3d7202&f=jpg&w=240)
There have been 17 former House Members who have served on the U.S. Supreme Court. Among this number, two were Chief Justices of the United States.
From 1774 to 1781, Delegates from the 13 colonies located along the eastern seaboard of British North America met in the First Continental Congress (1774) and the Second Continental Congress (1775–1781) to declare their independence from England, manage the Revolutionary War, and set the groundwork for what would become a new nation.
These positions fulfill procedural, administrative, and security roles for the national legislature.
House Rule II outlines the duties of seven officers and officials.
More that 100 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have served in the President’s Cabinet. Consisting of the heads of the 15 Executive Branch departments.
The McCormack Award, created in December 1970, is named for longtime Speaker John W. McCormack of Massachusetts. The award recognizes longtime House employees who have displayed bipartisanship and dedication to the institution.
Naming rooms in the Capitol and House Office Buildings for Representatives and staff is a rarely bestowed honor that began in 1962.
Find out which rooms were used by some of America’s most notable politicians during their House service.
History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives, “The People of the People’s House,”https://history.house.gov/People/(February 13, 2026)
Office of the Historian
Office of Art and Archives
Attic, Thomas Jefferson Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 226-1300
