Art & History

The House Chamber

The House Floor

Unlike the Members of the Senate, Members of the House have no assigned seats but are by tradition divided by party; Members of the Democratic Party sit to the Speaker's right and Members of the Republican Party sit to his left.

Among the 448 permanent seats on the House Floor are four tables, or two on each side. These tables are occupied by Members of the Committee that have brought a bill to the floor for consideration and by the respective party leadership.

Members address the House from microphones at any table or "the well," the area immediately in front of the rostrum.

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The Well

The well on the floor of the House Chamber.


Office of the Clerk - U.S. Capitol, Room H154, Washington, DC 20515-6601
(202) 225-7000 | info.clerkweb@mail.house.gov