Support Offices in the House of Representatives: Roles and Authorities

Publication Date: January 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

Article I of the Constitution, in Sections 2 and 3, authorizes the House of Representatives and Senate to choose their own officers. The number of such congressional support personnel, as well as their specific responsibilities, is left to the discretion of the chambers. Over time, both chambers have authorized a number of offices that assist them, collectively or individually, in their work. These offices perform legislative, administrative, financial, and ceremonial functions. They also ensure the protection of Congress and preserve its institutional memory.

The roles of House support offices have been established by House Rules, statute, and custom. They are also shaped by the congressional authorities with directional, oversight, and funding responsibility for the offices. These include the House Appropriations Committee, the House Administration Committee, and the Office of the Speaker.

This report is an overview of the different roles performed and the organizational authorities that govern the "daily operations" offices in the House of Representatives. Certain entities shared with the Senate, like the legislative support agencies, are included in this report, although the focus here is on their services to the House. Offices with responsibilities in more than one area are addressed in successive sections. More detailed information on select offices is also available in additional CRS products identified throughout. This report will be updated as circumstances warrant.