111th Congress, 2nd Session
The first time Congress met for two Joint Sessions in one day
January 06, 1937
On this date, for the first time in congressional history, Congress met for two Joint Sessions in one day. The first Joint Session consisted of the counting of electoral votes as directed by the Constitution. Vice President and former Speaker of the House, John Nance Garner of Texas presided over the vote count which re-elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a second term and, in turn, himself as Vice President. One hour later Congress reconvened in the House Chamber to receive the annual message from President Roosevelt. In congressional history, the double session has occurred three times—all under President Roosevelt. Under President Richard M. Nixon, Congress held both a Joint Session and Joint Meeting on the same day. A Joint Session requires a concurrent resolution and is reserved for presidential addresses and tabulating the Electoral College vote; while a Joint Meeting requires the unanimous consent of both chambers to recess and meet with the other legislative body. The latter is generally reserved for foreign leader addresses.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=182, (December 08, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
Subscribe to E-mail Updates
Sign up for monthly e-mail updates on House art and history.
John Nance Garner of Texas served 15 terms in the House of Representatives, the last term as Speaker of the House. In 1932, he was elected to his first term as Vice President.
Oil on canvas, Seymour M. Stone, 1939, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
House Legislation
Have students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
