111th Congress, 2nd Session
Speaker of the House William Bankhead of Alabama
June 04, 1936
On this date, the House elected Majority Leader William Bankhead of Alabama as Speaker of the House following the unexpected death of Speaker Joseph Byrns of Tennessee earlier that morning. Clerk of the House South Trimble gaveled in the solemn session. Representative John J. O’Connor of New York, the Speaker pro tempore, took the floor and announced that, “in order that the house may function and the machinery of government not stop, that we proceed with the election of a new speaker.” Bankhead was nominated by resolution to serve as Speaker and, with no objections, the motion carried. The death of Speaker Byrns marked the first time a sitting Speaker died while Congress was in session. Typically a celebratory occasion for the majority party, the election of the Speaker was a solemn affair out of respect for the House's former leader. Brief clapping ensued when Speaker Bankhead approached the rostrum, but was quickly quieted by Members. Following the election, business continued with a prayer by a guest chaplain and resolutions to assist with funeral proceedings for Byrns.
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Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=180, (December 08, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Elected to 14 terms in the House of Representatives, Joseph Byrns of Tennessee chaired the Appropriations Committee before serving as Majority Leader and Speaker of the House.
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
Teaching Tip
Wielding the Gavel
Ask students to locate three stories pertaining to Speakers of the House. Have students select and conduct research on one of the Speakers using historical highlights and the Biographical Directory bibliography.
