The House of Representatives
By Aicha Ajouz
Congressional Specifics & Responsibilities
Specifics
In the House of Representatives there are 435 members. Each representative is elected for a two year terms by their district. The seats in the House are based on population; each state gets at least one.Responsibilities
The House of Representatives works on committees. The representatives write bills (proposals of law) and vote on bills.
Congressional Leadership Positions
-Speaker of the House
-Presiding officer of the House (majority party chosen)
-Majority Leader (speakers top assistant)
-helps plan party's legislative program
-steer important bills
-make sure committees finish work on important political party bills
-Majority Whip
-watch majority party rep's to make sure they vote on party lines
-Deputy Majority Whips
-Minority Leader (top minority party leader)
-Minority Whip
Congressional Qualifications & Benefits
To become a Representative of the House, you must be at least 25 years old. You must have been a U.S. citizens for 7 years. You must be a legal resident of state elected in and traditionally live in district.
Benefits (as of 2002)
-Salary $150 000 (today $174 000)
-"Franking Privilege"-no paying for postage
-Income tax deductions which help maintain 2 homes: D.C. and Home
-Eligibility for pensions of $150 000 a year
-Free from arrest while attending Congress except if felony or treason is committed
-May not be sued for anything they say on House or Senate floor