After taking the oath of office, the Speaker administers the oath of office to all Members-elect. The nonvoting Delegates and the Resident Commissioner also take the oath of office. Article VI of the Constitution mandates that Members-elect take this oath to become full Members of Congress.

What do the Members-elect say when they take the oath of office?

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God."

What if the Members-elect cannot be present on opening day to take the oath of office?

Though it rarely happens, Members-elect can delay taking the oath of office if they are ill or a family member is ill. The Member-elect can be sworn in at a later date under these circumstances.